Christine Kuan – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Christine Kuan is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, ON, Christine Kuan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Christine Kuan addresses 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. Christine Kuan assists 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. Christine Kuan serves adults.

Christine Kuan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2018). With clinical experience, Christine Kuan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Christine Kuan has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy.

Christine Kuan demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; Christine Kuan promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Christine Kuan offers consultations in English.

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Peripheral Nerve

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Symptoms such as localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by mechanical compression or irritation of peripheral nerves at specific anatomical sites (entrapment points).
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Improving safety, function, and quality of life for those with impaired sensation or strength due to various types of peripheral neuropathy.

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. Christine Kuan can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• 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.

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

• Rediscover your ability to participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf without the constant burden of one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain. Christine Kuan focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Patients often come to Christine Kuan feeling defeated by feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life and resuming actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Are you finding that difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain stops you from enjoying going on birdwatching outings in various terrains? Christine Kuan is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• It's truly rewarding for Christine Kuan to witness patients conquer clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk and experience the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence again.

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

Christine Kuan's practice at St. Michael's Hospital is located in the Garden District, Ryerson neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Lawrence Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

How can I book an appointment at St. Michael's Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 864-5180 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

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

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

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at St. Michael's Hospital treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. Treatments often involve Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription, Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment, and patient education.

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.

St. Michael's Hospital
30 Bond Street
Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8

Phone: (416) 864-5180

Christine Kuan 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: XXX74

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f3d5ad47-0d9d-e811-8164-480fcfeae051

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