Mary Claire McGraw – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Mary Claire McGraw is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at College of Physiotherapists of Ontario in Toronto, ON, Mary McGraw is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Mary McGraw provides 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. Mary McGraw serves a diverse range of patients.

Mary Claire McGraw completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Dalhousie University (Graduating Class of 1980). With extensive clinical experience, Mary McGraw is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Mary McGraw has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

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

Mary Claire McGraw provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• 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).
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• 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.

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): An overuse injury where the bone is unable to withstand repetitive mechanical loading, requiring a period of offloading and gradual rehabilitation guided by a physiotherapist for safe return to activity.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Dull or aching pain in the front or inner part of the shin that can become sharp with activity, often felt during or after exercise.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Stretching or tearing of ligaments (the strong, fibrous bands that connect bones to each other at joints) due to sudden force, twisting, overstretching, or impact. Common in sports involving jumping, cutting, pivoting, or collisions. Examples include ACL/MCL tears in the knee or common ankle sprains.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.

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. Mary McGraw can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• 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.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.

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

• The journey to being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations when faced with persistent that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit is made smoother and more effective with Mary McGraw's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• Mary McGraw believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity is hindering your ability to participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises, a personalized plan focusing on running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form can make all the difference.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Mary McGraw's clinic, common concerns like working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain.
• Struggling with the frustration of trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? Mary McGraw develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings. This is key to helping you get back to doing enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Mary McGraw's practice at the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario is located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Polson Pier and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 Ontarians. 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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

What is College of Physiotherapists of Ontario's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
375 University Avenue, Suite 800
Toronto, ON, M5G 2J5

Phone: (416) 591-3828

Mary Claire McGraw 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: XXX19

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=042e3b18-8e02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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