Meghan E. Smith – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Meghan E. Smith is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Narrative Wellness in Toronto, ON, Meghan Smith is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Meghan Smith addresses 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. Meghan Smith serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Meghan E. Smith completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2010). With extensive clinical experience, Meghan Smith is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Meghan Smith has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Meghan Smith employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Meghan Smith has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Meghan Smith promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Meghan Smith offers consultations in English.

Meghan E. Smith provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• 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).

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).

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. Meghan Smith can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• 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 Meghan Smith, 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 Narrative Wellness, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Meghan Smith frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Meghan Smith feeling defeated by general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings and resuming easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Rediscover your ability to reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches without the constant burden of loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury. Meghan Smith focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Physiotherapy with Meghan Smith can be a transformative turning point for those affected by hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side. The shared goal is achieving feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort, paving the way for you to enjoy maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails and a more active, vibrant life.
• If needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity is preventing you from fully enjoying enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again, Meghan Smith offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Meghan Smith's practice at Narrative Wellness is situated in the Parkdale, Roncesvalles neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Toronto Police HQ and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

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

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral. This is known as direct access. However, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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 Narrative Wellness 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.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

How can I book an appointment at Narrative Wellness?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (647) 801-9272 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Narrative Wellness
35 Golden Avenue, Unit 110
Toronto, ON, M6R 2J5

Phone: (647) 801-9272

Meghan E. Smith 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: XXX65

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9e3b3b67-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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