Carrie Lok Man Lau – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Carrie Lok Man Lau is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Altum Health, Toronto Western Hospital in Toronto, ON, Carrie Lau is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Carrie Lau'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. Carrie Lau serves adults.

Carrie Lok Man Lau completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2014). With extensive clinical experience, Carrie Lau is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Carrie Lau has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Carrie Lau's practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Carrie Lau has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care, empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Carrie Lau offers consultations in Cantonese, Chinese, and English.

Carrie Lok Man Lau provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

Post Surgical

• 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.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.

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. Carrie Lau can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• 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 thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.

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

• Patients often come to Carrie Lau feeling defeated by pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction and resuming handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• The path to recovery from an awkward gait or limping when I walk and achieving feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey for challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing often starts with expert guidance. Carrie Lau, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Are you finding that recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) stops you from enjoying attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events? Carrie Lau is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Don't let difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy dictate what you can and cannot do. Carrie Lau offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at improved performance in work-related physical demands, helping you reclaim maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Carrie Lau practices at Altum Health, Toronto Western Hospital, located in the vibrant Kensington Market, Chinatown, Grange Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Cherry Beach and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Does Altum Health, Toronto Western Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Altum Health, Toronto Western Hospital offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. However, please always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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 (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 the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy 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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. 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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. 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 for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. 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.

What are Altum Health, Toronto Western Hospital's operating hours?

Altum Health, Toronto Western Hospital is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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 advised to check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Altum Health, Toronto Western Hospital
399 Bathurst Street, Krembil Discovery Tower, 3rd Floor
Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8

Phone: (416) 603-5185

Carrie Lok Man Lau 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: XXX10

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6982d44b-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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