Candace Choi – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Candace Choi is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist). Practicing at Foundation Physiotherapy & Wellness (Corktown) in Toronto, ON, Candace Choi is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Candace Choi's practice focuses on 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. Candace Choi serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

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

Candace Choi's philosophy promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Candace Choi offers consultations in Cantonese, English, Mandarin.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• 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.

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. Candace Choi can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• 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): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Candace Choi, 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 Foundation Physiotherapy & Wellness (Corktown), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Candace Choi frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Candace Choi's help, managing my child walking on their toes most of the time to achieve increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like managing their personal care routines independently.
• Candace Choi believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak is hindering your ability to playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods, a personalized plan focusing on a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities can make all the difference.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Candace Choi can help you move beyond breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity. The focus is on a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.
• Tired of aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk interfering with getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting? Candace Choi uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Candace Choi practices at Foundation Physiotherapy & Wellness (Corktown), situated in the Regent Park, Harbourfront East neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Gooderham Building (Flatiron) and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required for an appointment, some extended health insurance plans may require one for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. 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 us. 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.

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 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 provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through certain programs (e.g., post-hospitalization for specific conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility is restricted, and waitlists may apply. Most Ontarians rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy in private clinics. Always check your private insurance coverage and eligibility details directly with OHIP.

Does Foundation Physiotherapy & Wellness (Corktown) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact the clinic directly to inquire about their direct billing options with private insurance companies. It's advisable to bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment and to confirm your coverage details with your insurance provider beforehand.

Foundation Physiotherapy & Wellness (Corktown)
514 King Street East
Toronto, ON, M5A 1M1

Phone: (647) 946-1166

Candace Choi 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: XXX08

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c586dc8f-1a6c-ef11-a670-6045bd5d248c

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