Thomas Michael Carter – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Thomas Michael Carter is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at CBI Health Group in Toronto, ON, Tom is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Tom focuses on providing 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. He serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Thomas Michael Carter completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 1993). With extensive clinical experience, Thomas Michael Carter is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Tom has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Tom employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Thomas Michael Carter offers consultations in English.

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

Sports Injury

• 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.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• 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).

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. Tom can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• 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 Tom, 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 CBI Health Group, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Tom frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Tom frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like going on birdwatching outings in various terrains.
• Rediscover your ability to competing effectively in their curling league games without the constant burden of general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden. Tom focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• When trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain, physiotherapy with Tom can help you work towards getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Living with one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain doesn't have to be your norm. Tom applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms.

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

Tom practices at CBI Health Group, situated in the Kingsway, Montgomery's Inn, Old Mill North neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Bay Adelaide Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required for *seeing* a physiotherapist, some private insurance plans may require one for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm 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 clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through certain programs, such as post-hospitalization care for specific conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams, but eligibility requirements are strict and waitlists may apply. Most Ontarians will need to rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy services in private clinics. It is crucial to check your private insurance coverage and verify your eligibility for any public programs directly with OHIP.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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.

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 CBI Health Group 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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

CBI Health Group
3300 Bloor St. W, Suite 900
Toronto, ON, M8X 2X2

Phone: (416) 231-0078

Thomas Michael Carter 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: XXX63

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=85b9753e-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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