Sierra Gillie – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Sierra Gillie is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Athlete's Grid in Toronto, ON, Sierra Gillie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sierra Gillie 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. Sierra Gillie serves adults.

Sierra Gillie completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McGill University (Graduating Class of 2021). With clinical experience, Sierra Gillie is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sierra Gillie has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Sierra Gillie promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Sierra Gillie offers consultations in English, French.

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

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

Arthritis

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

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. Sierra Gillie can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Sierra Gillie, 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 The Athlete's Grid, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Sierra Gillie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from Sierra Gillie, their physiotherapist, when tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Sierra Gillie can help you move beyond recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery. The focus is on feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity and achieved improved circulation and tissue healing under the skilled care of Sierra Gillie. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout with a new lease on life.
• With Sierra Gillie's help, managing general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden to achieve feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations.

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

Sierra Gillie practices at The Athlete's Grid, situated in the Little Portugal, Trinity neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near CN Tower and is accessible via 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?

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 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. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact The Athlete's Grid or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at The Athlete's Grid treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription, Core Stability & Strengthening Training, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

The Athlete's Grid
18 Dovercourt Road
Toronto, ON, M6J 3C3

Phone: (647) 236-3227

Sierra Gillie 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: XXX34

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=151cfd4b-9f5a-ec11-8f8e-000d3a0a0984

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