Sports Injury Physiotherapy in Toronto

When to Consider a Sports Injury Assessment

An assessment may be helpful when symptoms affect your usual activities, keep returning, or do not improve as expected.

Concerns may include:

• Muscle or joint pain during or after exercise.
• Symptoms following a sprain or strain.
• Shoulder, knee, ankle, or hip discomfort.
• Back or neck pain related to activity.
• Restricted movement or reduced strength.
• Difficulty returning to running, lifting, or recreational sport.

Your practitioner will assess your presentation rather than assume that all activity-related pain has the same cause.

You do not need to be a competitive athlete to seek care. Assessment may be appropriate for concerns arising during gym sessions, walking, recreational sport, or other physical activities.

When an Injury Needs Medical Attention

Seek prompt medical assessment for severe or worsening pain, substantial swelling, or difficulty bearing weight after an injury.

A visibly deformed limb, new numbness, or an injured limb that feels cold or changes colour requires emergency assessment. If you suspect a serious injury or medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

If you suspect a concussion, stop participating in sport and seek medical assessment. Do not return to play until a qualified healthcare professional has assessed you and provided appropriate guidance.

Online booking and website enquiries do not provide emergency assessment.

Your Initial Assessment With Dr. Kris

Dr. Kris Dorken, DC, will review your health history, symptoms, and how the concern developed. He will ask about your activities, any previous injuries, and what you would like to return to doing.

He will complete a chiropractic examination appropriate to your presentation, explain the findings, and discuss recommended next steps. These may include chiropractic care, physiotherapy, self-management advice, or referral for medical assessment.

Imaging is not part of every sports injury assessment. Dr. Kris will discuss further investigation when clinically indicated.

Dr. Kris Dorken, DC, is registered as a chiropractor in Ontario and is a member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario.

Learn About Your First Visit

Your Physiotherapy Assessment

If you proceed with physiotherapy, your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms and how they affect movement, exercise, and daily activities.

Depending on your presentation, the examination may consider:

• Joint movement and flexibility.
• Muscle strength and endurance.
• Balance and control.
• Relevant activity or sport movements.
• Your response to different tasks or levels of activity.

Your physiotherapist will explain the findings and discuss suitable care options. They may recommend further medical assessment or another type of care when needed.

Learn About Physiotherapy on St. Clair West

What Sports Injury Rehabilitation May Include

Your rehabilitation plan will reflect your assessment, preferences, and goals. It may include:

• Education about your symptoms and activity.
• Exercises selected for your needs and abilities.
• Strength, movement, or balance training.
• Adjustments to exercise volume or intensity.
• Hands-on techniques when appropriate.
• A gradual progression towards activity-specific tasks.

Before treatment, your physiotherapist will explain the proposed care, expected benefits, relevant risks, and alternatives, and obtain your informed consent.

Other treatment options may be discussed when appropriate. You do not automatically need equipment-based treatments or every service available at the clinic.

Returning to Exercise and Sport

Returning to activity involves more than waiting for pain to settle. Your practitioner may consider your movement, strength, ability to complete relevant tasks, and response to increasing activity.

Together, you can discuss manageable steps towards your goals. This may involve modifying an activity before gradually increasing its demands.

Recovery times vary. Your practitioner will review progress and adjust recommendations rather than promise a fixed return date or guarantee that another injury will not occur.