Michelle Walsh – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Michelle Walsh is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Toronto General Hospital in Toronto, ON, Michelle Walsh is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Michelle Walsh specializes in managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Michelle Walsh's practice involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Michelle Walsh serves adults.

Michelle Walsh completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2020). With clinical experience, Michelle Walsh is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Michelle Walsh has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

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

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• 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.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.

Cardioresp

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): A progressive lung disease characterized by airflow limitation (making it hard to breathe out), leading to common symptoms like persistent breathlessness (especially with activity), chronic cough, and sputum (mucus) production.
• Bronchiectasis Management (Airway Clearance): Teaching and supervising various airway clearance techniques (ACTs) and devices (e.g., PEP devices, Acapella, Flutter, postural drainage, active cycle of breathing techniques - ACBT) to help individuals with bronchiectasis clear lung secretions effectively, reduce infection risk, and improve breathing.

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.

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 Walsh can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.

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

• When difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing running their usual 5k route without knee pain, physiotherapy with Michelle Walsh can help you work towards achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Don't let trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip dictate what you can and cannot do. Michelle Walsh offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors, helping you reclaim going on birdwatching outings in various terrains and enjoy a more functional life.
• Tired of recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery interfering with resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely? Michelle Walsh uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity and regain your freedom of movement.
• It's truly rewarding for Michelle Walsh to witness patients conquer that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work and experience feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty again.

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

Michelle Walsh practices at Toronto General Hospital, situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Alexandra Theatre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider about their specific requirements before your first appointment.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Toronto General Hospital treat?

Physiotherapists at Toronto General Hospital treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like general physiotherapy and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve postural assessment and correction, comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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, such as 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's essential to check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While you might experience some discomfort or a stretching sensation, especially initially, it should not be distressing or harmful. Your Physiotherapist will guide you, modify treatments as needed, and ensure a positive experience. The goal is to make you feel better, not worse.

Toronto General Hospital
200 Elizabeth St.
Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4

Phone: (416) 340-4800

Michelle Walsh 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: XXX43

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f713719e-3c20-eb11-a813-000d3af427b4

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