Annie Hu – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Annie Hu is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist) (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto, ON, Annie Hu is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Annie Hu's focus is managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. This involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Annie Hu serves adults.

Annie Hu completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2024). With clinical experience, Annie Hu is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Annie Hu has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Annie Hu embraces a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Annie Hu utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Annie Hu has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Annie Hu offers consultations in Cantonese, English.

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

Long Covid

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Symptom Management: A structured and individualized physiotherapy approach to address the diverse and often fluctuating symptoms of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome, aiming to improve exercise tolerance gradually, manage fatigue effectively, and support a return to meaningful activities and work.

Cardioresp

• Asthma Management (Exercise-Induced & General Support): Physiotherapy support for asthma management, including education on proper inhaler technique, breathing control exercises (e.g., to manage acute symptoms or anxiety during an attack), strategies to improve exercise tolerance and manage EIB, and general fitness advice.
• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Physiotherapy exercise guidance, education on safe activity progression, and risk factor modification support as part of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program following events like a heart attack (myocardial infarction - MI), heart surgery (e.g., coronary artery bypass graft - CABG, valve replacement), or angioplasty.

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. Annie Hu can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Physiotherapy to improve your breathing efficiency, manage symptoms of lung disease, clear your airways more effectively, and increase your cardiovascular fitness and activity tolerance.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: Comprehensive, often multidisciplinary, programs for individuals with chronic lung conditions (e.g., COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease), with a core physiotherapy component focusing on supervised exercise training (aerobic and strength), breathing techniques, education on managing the condition, and strategies for energy conservation.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Annie 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 Michael Garron Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Annie Hu frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side has made feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings seem like a distant memory, Annie Hu's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• With Annie Hu's help, managing soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise to achieve better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing.
• The journey to a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort when faced with persistent trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury is made smoother and more effective with Annie Hu's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash and achieved a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities under the skilled care of Annie Hu. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout with a new lease on life.

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

Annie Hu practices at Michael Garron Hospital, situated in the Woodbine Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Trillium Park and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

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/extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. 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's essential to check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Michael Garron Hospital
825 Coxwell Ave.
Toronto, ON, M4C 3E7

Phone: (416) 461-8272

Annie 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=17d03911-d18f-ef11-8a6a-002248afd271

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