About
Shelley Ann Sharp is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Ontario Health in Toronto, ON, Shelley is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Shelley provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Shelley serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.
Shelley Ann Sharp completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McGill University (Graduating Class of 1990). With extensive clinical experience, Shelley is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Shelley has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.
Shelley's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Shelley has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Shelley adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Shelley Ann Sharp offers consultations in English.
Shelley Ann Sharp provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Sports Injury
- 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.
- Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Dull or aching pain in the front or inner part of the shin that can become sharp with activity, often felt during or after exercise.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Knee discomfort frequently experienced by runners, cyclists, and those involved in activities with repetitive knee bending, which physiotherapy can effectively manage through exercise and biomechanical correction.
- Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.
Back Neck Pain
- Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
- Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
- Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
- Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
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. Shelley can assess your needs.
- Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
- Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
- Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
- 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.
- 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: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Shelley, 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 Ontario Health, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Shelley frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- The journey to a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life when faced with persistent facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) is made smoother and more effective with Shelley's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house.
- Discover how physiotherapy with Shelley can help you move beyond shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult. The focus is on understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
- Many individuals seek help from Shelley, their physiotherapist, when experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.
- Tired of recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery interfering with getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting? Shelley uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur and regain your freedom of movement.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Shelley, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Shelley practices at Ontario Health, located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Cabbagetown and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- 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 in private outpatient clinics for most Ontarians. 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 plan, 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).
- 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.
- Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
- The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly depending on the nature and severity of your condition, its duration, your treatment goals, your body's response to therapy, and your adherence to home exercises. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment plan after your initial assessment and re-evaluate your progress.
- What is Ontario Health's appointment cancellation policy?
- We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to change your appointment.
- Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?
- Bring your health card, any referral letters, and relevant medical reports or images. If you have private insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Comfortable, movement-friendly attire is also recommended.
Ontario Health
525 University Avenue, Fifth Floor
Toronto, ON, M5G 2L3
Phone: (416) 323-6868
Shelley Ann Sharp 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: XXX11
Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=842144a8-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.
