Michelle J. Lee – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Michelle J. Lee is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Resilience Physiotherapy in Toronto, ON, Michelle Lee is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Michelle Lee'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. Michelle Lee serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Michelle J. Lee completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2009). With extensive clinical experience, Michelle Lee is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Michelle Lee has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Michelle Lee employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Michelle Lee utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Michelle Lee offers consultations in English.

Michelle J. Lee provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• 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).

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.

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. Michelle Lee can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• 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.

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

• If difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain is preventing you from fully enjoying playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain, Michelle Lee offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Patients often come to Michelle Lee feeling defeated by recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again and resuming playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Many individuals seek help from Michelle Lee, their physiotherapist, when recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events.
• With Michelle Lee's help, managing needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity to achieve getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like competing effectively in their curling league games.

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

Michelle Lee practices at Resilience Physiotherapy, situated in the University of Toronto, Harbord neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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 Resilience Physiotherapy 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?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Resilience Physiotherapy treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, electrotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

What is Resilience Physiotherapy'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.

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?

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.

Resilience Physiotherapy
738 Spadina Avenue, Suite 200
Toronto, ON, M5S 2J8

Phone: (647) 691-5447

Michelle J. Lee 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: XXX55

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=fd0f2780-9702-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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