Riley Kitchen – Physiotherapist | Thornhill, ON

Riley Kitchen is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at SMILE Therapy For Kids in Thornhill, ON, Riley Kitchen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Riley Kitchen'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. Riley Kitchen also 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. Riley Kitchen serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Riley Kitchen completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2022). With clinical experience, Riley Kitchen is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Riley Kitchen has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy.

Riley Kitchen employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Riley Kitchen has 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. Riley Kitchen offers consultations in English.

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

Neurological

• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Supporting individuals with FND to improve their physical function, reduce symptom burden, and enhance participation in daily life activities through specialized physiotherapy.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with MS stay active, manage symptoms effectively, maintain independence for as long as possible, and adapt to changes in their condition.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Physiotherapy aimed at maintaining optimal function, managing contractures (joint stiffness), optimizing mobility (including prescription of mobility aids), adapting activities, and managing respiratory function (if applicable) for individuals with progressive muscle weakness due to muscular dystrophy or other myopathies.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

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. Riley Kitchen can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• 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.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy to address persistent concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, and difficulty concentrating or tolerating activity.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Comprehensive assessment of your fall risk factors with individualized interventions, including balance exercises, strength training, gait re-training, and home safety advice to help you prevent falls.
• 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.

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

• Rediscover your ability to being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms without the constant burden of dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash. Riley Kitchen focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Riley Kitchen believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity is hindering your ability to shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back, a personalized plan focusing on being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations can make all the difference.
• The journey to improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks when faced with persistent loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury is made smoother and more effective with Riley Kitchen's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time.
• Patients often come to Riley Kitchen feeling defeated by widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain and resuming going on birdwatching outings in various terrains becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Riley Kitchen practices at SMILE Therapy For Kids, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Does SMILE Therapy For Kids offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, SMILE Therapy For Kids offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. However, please remember to always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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 recommended that you check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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

No, you do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist in Ontario. This is known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so it is best to check with your insurance provider before your appointment.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Is there parking available at or near SMILE Therapy For Kids?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Please check for any signage regarding time limits or restrictions.

SMILE Therapy For Kids
10-130 Racco Pkwy
Thornhill, ON, L4J 8X9

Phone: (905) 761-7225

Riley Kitchen 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: XXX34

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=18cfb803-eb23-ed11-9db2-002248d51760

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