Kim Alicia Thornhill – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Kim Alicia Thornhill is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Toronto Central CCAC in Toronto, ON, Kim Thornhill is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kim Thornhill's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Kim Thornhill serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.

Kim Alicia Thornhill completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2008). With extensive clinical experience, Kim Thornhill is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kim Thornhill has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Kim Thornhill's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Kim Thornhill adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Kim Thornhill offers consultations in English.

Kim Alicia Thornhill provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Kim Thornhill can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Kim Thornhill, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At Toronto Central CCAC, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Kim Thornhill frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• It's truly rewarding for Kim Thornhill to witness patients conquer my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) and experience a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably again.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Kim Thornhill's clinic, common concerns like that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• With Kim Thornhill's help, managing feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort to achieve developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes.
• The journey to a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties when faced with persistent a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck is made smoother and more effective with Kim Thornhill's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Kim Thornhill, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Kim Thornhill practices at Toronto Central CCAC, located in the vibrant Kensington Market, Chinatown, Grange Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Polson Pier and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required for your appointment, some extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific coverage requirements before your first appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

How can I book an appointment at Toronto Central CCAC?

You can book an appointment by calling Toronto Central CCAC directly at (416) 506-9888 during business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time.

Does Toronto Central CCAC offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact Toronto Central CCAC directly to inquire about their direct billing policies with private insurance companies. It is recommended to bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment to confirm coverage.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs and in certain situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. Check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

What are Toronto Central CCAC's operating hours?

Toronto Central CCAC is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary, so please call their office at (416) 506-9888 for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

Toronto Central CCAC
305-250 Dundas St. West
Toronto, ON, M5T 2Z5

Phone: (416) 506-9888

Kim Alicia Thornhill is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX11

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=1e2000c0-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.