Sydney Michelle Murdoch – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Sydney Michelle Murdoch is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Parkwood Institute in London, ON, Sydney Murdoch is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sydney Murdoch's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Sydney Murdoch serves adults.

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

Sydney Murdoch's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the London community through proactive physiotherapy; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Sydney Murdoch offers consultations in English.

Sydney Michelle Murdoch provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.

Neurological

• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Supporting individuals with FND to improve their physical function, reduce symptom burden, and enhance participation in daily life activities through specialized physiotherapy.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: May include specific facial exercises, neuromuscular re-education (PNF for the face), biofeedback, electrical stimulation (if appropriate), massage, and strategies to improve facial movement, symmetry, reduce synkinesis (unwanted movements), and manage eye care.

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. Sydney Murdoch can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Baseline concussion testing (if offered by the clinic/practitioner) and evidence-based post-injury management to ensure a safe and effective recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Sydney Murdoch, 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 Parkwood Institute, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Sydney Murdoch frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• At Sydney Murdoch's physiotherapy practice, individuals with wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night are guided towards the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Sydney Murdoch can help you move beyond soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise. The focus is on a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• Many individuals seek help from Sydney Murdoch, their physiotherapist, when swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time.
• When frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours, physiotherapy with Sydney Murdoch can help you work towards greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Sydney Murdoch practices at Parkwood Institute, situated in the Woodfield, Wortley Village neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Fanshawe College (Main Campus) and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. 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 Parkwood Institute offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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.

Parkwood Institute
550 Wellington Road
London, ON, N6C 5J1

Phone: (519) 646-6100

Sydney Michelle Murdoch 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: XXX50

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=0766ab6c-922c-ec11-b6e6-0022486d9152

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