Sharon Laura Switzer-McIntyre

Sharon Laura Switzer-McIntyre provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Injuries like a 'twisted ankle', 'knee ligament injury', or 'shoulder separation' (AC joint sprain) sustained during athletic activity or accidental falls.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Localized bone pain that typically worsens with activity and is relieved by rest, often accompanied by tenderness to touch over the affected bone.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Damage to muscle tissue that can range from minor micro-tears to more significant partial or complete tears, impacting strength, power, and range of motion.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.

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 Switzer-McIntyre can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Sharon Switzer-McIntyre, 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 Switzer-McIntyre frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many find that recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) significantly impacts their ability to getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting. Sharon Switzer-McIntyre helps patients target restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• The journey to successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines when faced with persistent knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run is made smoother and more effective with Sharon Switzer-McIntyre's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.
• At Sharon Switzer-McIntyre's physiotherapy practice, individuals with frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders are guided towards a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity? Sharon Switzer-McIntyre works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.

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

Sharon Switzer-McIntyre's practice at University of Toronto, Dept. of Physical Therapy is located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) 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 reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific coverage requirements.

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

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally  not covered by OHIP. OHIP may cover physiotherapy in specific circumstances, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions or for specific populations like children, youth, and seniors through publicly funded programs or Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. To determine your eligibility for publicly funded physiotherapy, contact OHIP directly. Most individuals will need to rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy services in private clinics. Always check your private insurance policy for coverage details.

How can I book an appointment at University of Toronto, Dept. of Physical Therapy?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 946-8641 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Phone: (416) 946-8641

Sharon Laura Switzer-McIntyre 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: XXX23

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=156383e7-8902-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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