Tara Frankel – Physiotherapist | Thornhill, ON

Tara Frankel is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Kayla's Children Centre in Thornhill, ON, T.S. is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. T.S.'s role focuses on 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. T.S. serves infants, children, and adolescents, tailoring treatment plans to meet their unique needs and developmental stages.

Tara Frankel completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1998). With extensive clinical experience, T.S. is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. T.S. has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy, ensuring that T.S.'s patients receive the most up-to-date and effective care.

T.S.'s practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. T.S. adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting to foster collaboration and empower patients in their recovery journey. T.S. offers consultations in English.

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

Neurological

• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Utilizing evidence-based neuroplasticity principles, motor relearning techniques, and task-specific training to help stroke survivors improve movement and achieve their functional goals.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: A movement-based therapy approach, often guided by principles of motor learning and de-emphasis on presumed damage, to help individuals with FND regain voluntary control over their physical symptoms and improve confidence in their movements.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• 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.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Addressing the physical consequences of nerve damage in the limbs through targeted exercises (e.g., for balance, strength, desensitization), sensory re-education, and advice on appropriate footwear or assistive devices.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.

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. T.S. can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• 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.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Convenient access to expert physiotherapy services from the comfort of your home, office, or any location with an internet connection, ideal for those with busy schedules, living in remote areas, or preferring virtual care.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• 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 T.S., 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 Kayla's Children Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. T.S. frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With T.S.'s help, managing breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity to achieve sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like managing their personal care routines independently.
• If my child walking on their toes most of the time is preventing you from fully enjoying engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands, T.S. offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• T.S. frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain.
• When clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings, physiotherapy with T.S. can help you work towards implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life. 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 T.S., will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

T.S. practices at Kayla's Children Centre, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private and 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 requirements.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics for the majority of the population. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in certain situations, such as post-hospitalization for specific conditions, for children and youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. It is essential to check your private insurance coverage as many private/extended health insurance plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions needed varies greatly depending on individual factors. After a comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will provide a better estimate of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits required to reach your specific goals. We maintain open communication and regularly review your progress, adjusting the treatment plan as needed.

Kayla's Children Centre
36 Atkinson Ave.
Thornhill, ON, L4J 8C9

Phone: (905) 738-5542

Tara Frankel 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=a48fba48-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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