Biography
Michael Thornton is a physiotherapist at Cleveland Clinic Canada working with our multidisciplinary sports health team. Mr. Thornton has a passion for advancing patient health through evidence-based care. Specializing in manual therapy, exercise prescription, and functional neuroanatomy, he brings a holistic approach to rehabilitation and performance enhancement.
Mr. Thornton has a strong academic background starting with the completion of his Bachelor of Kinesiology and Health Science degree from York University in Toronto. He went on to obtain his Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario in London.
As an accomplished athlete and exercise enthusiast, Mr. Thornton draws on his extensive sports experience, including NCAA Division 1 soccer, OUA varsity track and field, and national level bodybuilding, to tailor treatment plans for athletes and active individuals, as well as general and geriatric populations. He further has hands-on experience across diverse clinical settings, including cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, outpatient musculoskeletal care, and neurological recovery.
Mr. Thornton is highly skilled in assessments, including movement screening, manual muscle testing, and mobilization. His treatment includes the use of exercise programming, soft tissue techniques, manual therapy, neurokinetic therapy techniques, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), biomechanical fine-tuning, and evidence-based return-to-sport protocols.
When he’s not with patients, Mr. Thornton enjoys lifting weights, going for long bike rides, playing guitar, and learning about new innovations in health and technology.
Education
- Master of Physical Therapy
- University of Western Ontario
- London, ON
- Kinesiology and Health Sciences
- York University
- Toronto, ON
Certifications
- Neurokinetic Therapy 1 & 2
- Anatomy in Motion
- Runners Assessments/Program
- McMaster Contemporary Medical Acupuncture
Specialty Interests
- Sports and performance optimization
- Geriatric and overuse injuries
- Musculoskeletal and post-op rehabilitation
Professional Memberships
- College of Physical Therapists of Ontario
