Sharon Elizabeth Armstrong – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Sharon Elizabeth Armstrong is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Michael Garron Hospital (formerly Toronto East General Hospital) in Toronto, ON, Sharon Armstrong is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sharon Armstrong focuses on addressing 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. Sharon Armstrong serves adults.

Sharon Elizabeth Armstrong completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2013). With clinical experience, Sharon Armstrong is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sharon Armstrong has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Sharon Armstrong promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Sharon Armstrong employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Sharon Armstrong empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Sharon Armstrong offers consultations in English.

Sharon Elizabeth Armstrong provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• 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.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.

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. Sharon Armstrong can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.

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

• For those whose trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has made working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness seem like a distant memory, Sharon Armstrong's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Patients struggling with clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk can find dedicated and compassionate support from Sharon Armstrong. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as walking their children to school or the park.
• Tired of persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady interfering with participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf? Sharon Armstrong uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community and regain your freedom of movement.
• Physiotherapy with Sharon Armstrong can be a transformative turning point for those affected by recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery. The shared goal is achieving reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease, paving the way for you to enjoy playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Sharon Armstrong's practice at Michael Garron Hospital (formerly Toronto East General Hospital) is located in the Woodbine Heights neighborhood of Toronto, conveniently situated near Cherry Beach. The clinic is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

How can I book an appointment at Michael Garron Hospital (formerly Toronto East General Hospital)?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 461-8272 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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.

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 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.

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

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Does Michael Garron Hospital (formerly Toronto East General Hospital) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Bring your insurance card/information and confirm your coverage details with your provider. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

Michael Garron Hospital (formerly Toronto East General Hospital)
825 Coxwell Avenue
Toronto, ON, M4C 3E7

Phone: (416) 461-8272

Sharon Elizabeth Armstrong 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: XXX04

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c2f95d74-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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