Marla Pichler – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Marla Pichler is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Cleveland Clinic Canada Midtown in Toronto, ON, Marla Pichler is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Marla Pichler'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. Marla Pichler specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Care is tailored to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Marla Pichler serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Marla Pichler completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1982). With extensive clinical experience, Marla Pichler is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Marla Pichler has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy.

Marla Pichler employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Marla Pichler utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Marla Pichler promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Marla Pichler offers consultations in English, German, and Swiss German.

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

Joint Pain

• 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).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

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. Marla Pichler can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Sports Performance Enhancement & Injury Prevention: Strategies and training programs to fine-tune your physical capabilities, improve sport-specific skills, and ensure you are well-prepared for the demands of your sport.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Specialized and progressive physiotherapy care for athletes of all levels, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, sport-specific exercise, and safe, timely return-to-sport protocols.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Marla Pichler, 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 Cleveland Clinic Canada Midtown, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marla Pichler frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Marla Pichler feeling defeated by trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments and resuming performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• When shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back, physiotherapy with Marla Pichler can help you work towards a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Marla Pichler can help you move beyond recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches. The focus is on enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events.
• Marla Pichler believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking is hindering your ability to playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends, a personalized plan focusing on achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small can make all the difference.

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

Marla Pichler's practice is located at Cleveland Clinic Canada Midtown, in the Davisville North neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Toronto Reference Library and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most of the population. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific 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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

What are Cleveland Clinic Canada Midtown's operating hours?

Cleveland Clinic Canada Midtown is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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

Bring your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), imaging test results, a medication list, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available. Wear comfortable clothing.

Cleveland Clinic Canada Midtown
150 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, ON, M4P 1E8

Phone: (416) 507-6600

Marla Pichler 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: XXX80

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=5ace8d93-8902-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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