Michelle Marguerite Fraser – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Michelle Marguerite Fraser is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Fraser Pelvic Health in Toronto, ON, Michelle Fraser is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Michelle Fraser 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. Michelle Fraser serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Michelle Marguerite Fraser completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1994). With extensive clinical experience, Michelle Fraser is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Michelle Fraser has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Michelle Fraser maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Michelle Fraser offers consultations in English, French.

Michelle Marguerite Fraser provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.

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 Fraser 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Michelle Fraser, their physiotherapist, when needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• Are you finding that that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away stops you from enjoying handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending? Michelle Fraser is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Michelle Fraser frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of an awkward gait or limping when I walk. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back.
• At Michelle Fraser's physiotherapy practice, individuals with working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery are guided towards increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.

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

Michelle Fraser's practice, Fraser Pelvic Health, is situated in the Dufferin, Dovercourt Village neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Yorkville Shopping District and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required for an appointment, some private insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility is restricted and waitlists may apply. Most Ontarians will need to rely on their private/extended health insurance plans for coverage of physiotherapy in private clinics. You should check your private insurance coverage and verify your eligibility for any public programs directly with OHIP.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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.

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 Fraser Pelvic Health 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 there parking available at or near Fraser Pelvic Health?

Street parking and nearby paid lots are available. Please check local signage for restrictions and time limits.

Fraser Pelvic Health
280 Havelock Street, Unit 200
Toronto, ON, M6H 3B9

Phone: (416) 434-9087

Michelle Marguerite Fraser 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: XXX13

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=fd02884b-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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