Marcia Kromkamp – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Marcia Kromkamp is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, ON, Marcia is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Marcia's focus is addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Marcia serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Marcia Kromkamp completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2002). With extensive clinical experience, Marcia is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Marcia has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Marcia's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Marcia adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Marcia employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Marcia offers consultations in English and Italian.

Marcia Kromkamp provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.

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. Marcia can assess your needs.

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Marcia, 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 Hospital for Sick Children, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marcia frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems? Marcia works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run and achieved less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function under the skilled care of Marcia. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air with a new lease on life.
• Rediscover your ability to getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing without the constant burden of difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy. Marcia focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Patients struggling with pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) can find dedicated and compassionate support from Marcia. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks.

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

Marcia practices at the Hospital for Sick Children, located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Lawrence Market and is accessible via 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 private or extended health insurance plans may require a physician's referral for coverage of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements for reimbursement.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Hospital for Sick Children treat?

Physiotherapists at the Hospital for Sick Children treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, electrotherapy (such as IFC/TENS), exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through OHIP in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams; however, eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. You should verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Ave.
Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-6755

Marcia Kromkamp 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: XXX02

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e38c5d41-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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