Patricia Meaghan Stapleford – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Patricia Meaghan Stapleford is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Patricia Stapleford, Physiotherapist in Toronto, ON, Trish is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Trish's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Trish serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Patricia Meaghan Stapleford completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2008). With clinical experience, Patricia Meaghan Stapleford is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Patricia Meaghan Stapleford has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Trish's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Patricia Meaghan Stapleford offers consultations in English.

Patricia Meaghan Stapleford provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.

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. Trish can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.

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

• The journey to a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity when faced with persistent recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement is made smoother and more effective with Trish's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.
• Tired of difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy interfering with taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day? Trish uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises and regain your freedom of movement.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Trish can help you move beyond trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip. The focus is on a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.
• If persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady is preventing you from fully enjoying returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun, Trish offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Trish's practice, Patricia Stapleford, Physiotherapist, is conveniently located in the Brockton, Parkdale Village, Exhibition Place neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is easily accessible near Union Station and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

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, 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.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Patricia Stapleford, Physiotherapist treat?

Our Physiotherapists 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 Neurological Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription, Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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.

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 that you check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

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 Patricia Stapleford, Physiotherapist 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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

Patricia Stapleford, Physiotherapist
310-1005 King Street West
Toronto, ON, M6K 3M8

Phone: (416) 603-5801

Patricia Meaghan Stapleford 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: XXX54

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=3952b29b-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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