Christen Chan – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Christen Chan is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Invictus Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre in Toronto, ON, Christen Chan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Christen Chan focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Christen Chan also serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Christen Chan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Sydney (Graduating Class of 2017). With clinical experience, Christen Chan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Christen Chan has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Christen Chan empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Christen Chan offers consultations in English.

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

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• 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.

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.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.

Neurological

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Tailored rehabilitation programs focusing on restoring physical abilities, managing secondary complications, and improving quality of life for individuals post-TBI or ABI.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Specialized neurorehabilitation programs designed by a Physiotherapist to improve physical function, optimize movement potential, and enhance quality of life for individuals living with an SCI.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: A movement-based therapy approach, often guided by principles of motor learning and de-emphasis on presumed damage, to help individuals with FND regain voluntary control over their physical symptoms and improve confidence in their movements.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Gentle exercises, stretching programs, and strategies to preserve strength and function, and to manage secondary complications associated with muscular dystrophies.

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. Christen Chan can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Christen Chan, 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 Invictus Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Christen Chan frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from Christen Chan, their physiotherapist, when that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• When an awkward gait or limping when I walk is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing taking group exercise classes at the community center, physiotherapy with Christen Chan can help you work towards feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Christen Chan's clinic, common concerns like recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• With Christen Chan's help, managing aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk to achieve effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain.

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

Christen Chan's practice at Invictus Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre is situated in the The Danforth West, Riverdale neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Lawrence Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors. Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic.

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.

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, even though a referral isn't legally required to see a physiotherapist, some private or 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 physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and there may be waitlists. Most people will need to rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy services in private clinics. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage and verify your eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

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.

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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

Invictus Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre
731 Pape Avenue
Toronto, ON, M4K 3S8

Phone: (647) 212-4591

Christen Chan 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: XXX68

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=50e69e06-d830-eb11-a813-000d3af42c56

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