Michelle Foon-Yan Chen – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Michelle Foon-Yan Chen is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Sutherland-Chan Women's College Hospital in Toronto, ON, Michelle Chen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Michelle Chen addresses 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. Michelle Chen specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Care is tailored to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Michelle Chen serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Michelle Foon-Yan Chen completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Sydney (Graduating Class of 2011). With extensive clinical experience, Michelle Chen is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Michelle Chen has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy.

Michelle Chen employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Michelle Chen promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Michelle Chen offers consultations in English.

Michelle Foon-Yan Chen provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.

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. Michelle Chen can assess your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Helping you get back in the game quickly and safely with targeted sports physiotherapy, focusing on restoring strength, agility, and confidence.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Sports Performance Enhancement & Injury Prevention: Strategies and training programs to fine-tune your physical capabilities, improve sport-specific skills, and ensure you are well-prepared for the demands of your sport.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Michelle Chen, 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 Sutherland-Chan Women's College Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Michelle Chen frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• It's truly rewarding for Michelle Chen to witness patients conquer that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder and experience successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions again.
• Many individuals seek help from Michelle Chen, their physiotherapist, when one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• The path to recovery from my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking and achieving increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints for standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event often starts with expert guidance. Michelle Chen, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• When trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts, physiotherapy with Michelle Chen can help you work towards enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation. 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 Michelle Chen, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Michelle Chen's practice at Sutherland-Chan Women's College Hospital is situated in the University of Toronto, Harbord neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Little Italy and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

How can I book an appointment at Sutherland-Chan Women's College Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (647) 748-8585 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment, it should not be distressing or harmful. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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. It is strongly recommended that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Sutherland-Chan Women's College Hospital
76 Grenville St.
Toronto, ON, M5S 1B2

Phone: (647) 748-8585

Michelle Foon-Yan Chen 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: XXX37

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6ef3e8f0-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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