Sharon Gabison – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Sharon Gabison is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at University of Toronto, Dept. of Physical Therapy in Toronto, ON, Sharon Gabison is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sharon Gabison 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. Sharon Gabison serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.

Sharon Gabison completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1995). With extensive clinical experience, Sharon Gabison is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sharon Gabison has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Sharon Gabison empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Sharon Gabison offers consultations in English.

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

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

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 Gabison can assess your needs.

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.

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

• Patients struggling with managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease can find dedicated and compassionate support from Sharon Gabison. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.
• Sharon Gabison frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again.
• Many individuals seek help from Sharon Gabison, their physiotherapist, when recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• Struggling with the frustration of knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run? Sharon Gabison develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces. This is key to helping you get back to doing shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Sharon Gabison's practice at University of Toronto, Dept. of Physical Therapy is situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Rogers Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What are University of Toronto, Dept. of Physical Therapy'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 at or check our website/online booking portal at for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. 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 direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt to submit to your insurer.

University of Toronto, Dept. of Physical Therapy
500 University Ave., 8th Floor, Rehabilitation Sciences Building
Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7

Phone: (416) 946-8641

Sharon Gabison 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: XXX60

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=76843f86-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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