Agnes Wai-Yee Seow – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Agnes Wai-Yee Seow is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare in Toronto, ON, Agnes Seow is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Agnes Seow's focus is 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. Agnes Seow serves a significant senior population within the community.

Agnes Wai-Yee Seow completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 1987). With extensive clinical experience, Agnes Seow is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Agnes Seow has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Agnes Seow employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Agnes Seow empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Agnes Seow maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Agnes Seow offers consultations in Cantonese and English.

Agnes Wai-Yee Seow provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).

Arthritis

• 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.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.

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. Agnes Seow can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Agnes Seow, 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 VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Agnes Seow frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Agnes Seow's clinic, common concerns like feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.
• Patients struggling with recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee can find dedicated and compassionate support from Agnes Seow. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.
• Struggling with the frustration of knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run? Agnes Seow develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again. This is key to helping you get back to doing joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side and achieved a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities under the skilled care of Agnes Seow. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as competing effectively in their curling league games with a new lease on life.

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

Agnes Seow practices at VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare, situated in the Lawrence Manor, Lawrence Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Ontario Place and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare treat?

Physiotherapists at VHA Rehab Solutions treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, Therapeutic Ultrasound Application, Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

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 Ontarians. 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.

VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare
310-700 Lawrence Avenue West
Toronto, ON, M6A 3B4

Phone: (416) 489-2500

Agnes Wai-Yee Seow 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: XXX67

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=455a461f-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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