Anne Hu – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Anne Hu is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - Lyndhurst Centre in Toronto, ON, Anne Hu is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Anne Hu's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Anne Hu serves adults.

Anne Hu completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2006). With clinical experience, Anne Hu is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Anne Hu has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Anne Hu empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; Anne Hu adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; Anne Hu demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Anne Hu offers consultations in English.

Anne Hu provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo that is highly treatable with specific physiotherapy maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver, designed to reposition the displaced inner ear crystals.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.

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. Anne Hu can assess your needs.

• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Targeted exercises and strategies designed by your Physiotherapist to improve your stability, coordination, lower limb strength, and body awareness (proprioception), thereby reducing your risk of falls, particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with balance impairments.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• 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.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Customized exercise-based programs (e.g., gaze stabilization, habituation, balance retraining exercises) prescribed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist to reduce vestibular symptoms, improve functional balance, decrease fall risk, and enhance confidence in movement.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Anne Hu, 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 Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - Lyndhurst Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Anne Hu frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Living with experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy doesn't have to be your norm. Anne Hu applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up.
• Anne Hu frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Anne Hu's clinic, common concerns like feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting.
• With Anne Hu's help, managing a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck to achieve improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.

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

Anne Hu practices at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - Lyndhurst Centre, situated in the Leaside neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Art Gallery of Ontario and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is there parking available at or near Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - Lyndhurst Centre?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside the building. Look for the designated patient spots.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your initial physiotherapy visit will be around an hour long. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

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 should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call the clinic. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - Lyndhurst Centre
520 Sutherland Drive
Toronto, ON, M4G 3V9

Phone: (416) 597-3422

Anne Hu 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: XXX17

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=7176bac9-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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