Merry Lou Meadows – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Merry Lou Meadows is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Physio At Home in Toronto, ON, Merry Lou Meadows is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Merry Lou Meadows focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Merry Lou Meadows serves adults.

Merry Lou Meadows completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 1985). With clinical experience, Merry Lou Meadows is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Merry Lou Meadows has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Merry Lou Meadows's practice philosophy centers around a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Merry Lou Meadows offers consultations in English.

Merry Lou Meadows provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Geriatric

• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: A decline in physical function, muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), and endurance commonly associated with aging or inactivity, sometimes leading to frailty, increased fall risk, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks independently.
• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Addressing specific mobility challenges to enhance safety, reduce fall risk, and improve participation in life activities for older adults.

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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).
• 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.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Difficulty maintaining stability during standing, walking, or changing positions, which may be due to various factors including age-related changes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal weakness, sensory impairments, or medication side effects, often leading to an increased risk of falls.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.

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. Merry Lou Meadows can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• 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.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Helping you stay steady on your feet and maintain your independence through targeted balance and coordination exercises, and practical fall prevention education.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Merry Lou Meadows, 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 Physio At Home, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Merry Lou Meadows frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Don't let trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury dictate what you can and cannot do. Merry Lou Meadows offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form, helping you reclaim maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails and enjoy a more functional life.
• Many individuals seek help from Merry Lou Meadows, their physiotherapist, when trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts.
• Living with that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work doesn't have to be your norm. Merry Lou Meadows applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours.
• It's truly rewarding for Merry Lou Meadows to witness patients conquer recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement and experience being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in taking group exercise classes at the community center again.

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

Merry Lou Meadows practices at Physio At Home, situated in the Don Mills North neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Lawrence Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

How can I book an appointment at Physio At Home?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 807-4663 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.

What is Physio At Home'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. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What are Physio At Home's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Hours can vary, so please call our office at (416) 807-4663 for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

Physio At Home
18 Cedarbank Crescent
Toronto, ON, M3B 3A4

Phone: (416) 807-4663

Merry Lou Meadows 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: XXX45

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=56d078e9-8902-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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