Thomas Mackenzie Kerr – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Thomas Mackenzie Kerr is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Cornerstone Physiotherapy in Toronto, ON, Thomas Kerr is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Thomas Kerr's approach 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. Thomas Kerr serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Thomas Mackenzie Kerr completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2020). With clinical experience, Thomas Kerr is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Thomas Kerr has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Thomas Kerr maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Thomas Kerr offers consultations in English.

Thomas Mackenzie Kerr provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• 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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.

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. Thomas Kerr can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.

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

• The journey to improved circulation and tissue healing when faced with persistent that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity is made smoother and more effective with Thomas Kerr's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like running their usual 5k route without knee pain.
• Living with needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity doesn't have to be your norm. Thomas Kerr applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache.
• When trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably, physiotherapy with Thomas Kerr can help you work towards waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Patients often come to Thomas Kerr feeling defeated by frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance and resuming taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Thomas Kerr practices at Cornerstone Physiotherapy, situated in the Garden District, Ryerson neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Toronto City Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is Cornerstone Physiotherapy's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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.

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 Cornerstone Physiotherapy 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 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.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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.

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

Temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after treatment is common. 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, contact Cornerstone Physiotherapy or your physician directly.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first appointment (assessment and treatment plan) usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically 30 to 45 minutes.

Cornerstone Physiotherapy
2 Carlton Street, Suite 1800
Toronto, ON, M5B 1J3

Phone: (416) 595-5353

Thomas Mackenzie Kerr 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: XXX55

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d876670e-cb01-eb11-a813-000d3af42c56

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