Sara MacKellar – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Sara Mackellar is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Humber River Hospital in Toronto, ON, Sara Mackellar is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sara Mackellar focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Sara Mackellar also manages acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. This involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Sara Mackellar serves seniors in the Toronto area.

Sara Mackellar completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2017). With extensive clinical experience, Sara Mackellar is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sara Mackellar has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health and Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Sara Mackellar employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Sara Mackellar has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Sara Mackellar offers consultations in English and French.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.
• 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.

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.

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. Sara Mackellar can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Helping older adults stay active, mobile, independent, and confident in their physical abilities through compassionate and evidence-based physiotherapy.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Comprehensive support for improving performance in activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, bathing, transferring, cooking) and rebuilding physical confidence and independence in older adults.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy management for individuals experiencing persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection (Long COVID), such as profound fatigue, breathlessness (dyspnea), muscle weakness, joint pain, 'brain fog' (cognitive difficulties), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) symptoms, and exercise intolerance.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Sara Mackellar to witness patients conquer needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity and experience getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids again.
• For those whose my child walking on their toes most of the time has made going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again seem like a distant memory, Sara Mackellar's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Sara Mackellar can help you move beyond that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away. The focus is on waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours.
• Sara Mackellar frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.

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

Sara Mackellar practices at Humber River Hospital, situated in the Downsview Central neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the University of Toronto (St. George Campus south edge) and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. 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 to book an appointment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for coverage. It's crucial to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements for physiotherapy coverage.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

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

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in certain situations, such as post-hospitalization for specific conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. However, eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may exist. Most people will need to rely on private insurance for coverage of physiotherapy services in private clinics. It is strongly recommended that you check with OHIP directly and your private insurance provider to verify your specific coverage.

What is Humber River Hospital'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 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.

What are Humber River Hospital's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

Humber River Hospital
1235 Wilson Ave.
Toronto, ON, M3M 0B2

Phone: (416) 242-1000

Sara MacKellar 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=ee01f105-9402-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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