Chung Yan Lau, Physiotherapist

Chung Yan Lau

Physiotherapist in North York, ON

Chung Yan Lau is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Bayview Rehabilitation in North York, ON, Joanna is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario... Read More

Verified Licensed by CPO License Number: XXX73 Referrals Not Required Contact for Availability Cantonese, English, Mandarin 25+ Years Experience University of Toronto (2001), Canada
Primary Practice LocationBayview Rehabilitation
3333 Bayview Ave.
North York, ON
M2K 1G4
Primary Phone(416) 222-7401
Professional Details

About

Chung Yan Lau is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Bayview Rehabilitation in North York, ON, Joanna is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Joanna 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. Joanna serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Chung Yan Lau completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2001). With clinical experience, Joanna is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Joanna has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Joanna empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the North York community through proactive physiotherapy. Joanna offers consultations in Cantonese, English, Mandarin.

Chung Yan Lau provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Geriatric

  • Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Physiotherapy programs designed to address physical decline in older adults, focusing on rebuilding strength (resistance exercise), improving endurance (aerobic exercise), enhancing balance, and maintaining or improving functional independence.
  • Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Difficulty with walking (e.g., slow gait, shuffling, unsteadiness), transferring (e.g., getting in/out of a chair or bed), using stairs, or performing other daily mobility tasks due to age-related changes, chronic health conditions, deconditioning, or fear of falling.

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): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

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. Joanna can assess your needs.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: A holistic and supportive physiotherapy approach to managing the diffuse pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms commonly associated with fibromyalgia.
  • Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: A holistic and active approach to managing long-standing pain, empowering you with tools and knowledge for better daily living, increased activity tolerance, and improved mood.

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

  • Joanna frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air.
  • For those whose recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee has made comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family seem like a distant memory, Joanna's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
  • Through personalized physiotherapy at Joanna's clinic, common concerns like difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like running their usual 5k route without knee pain.
  • At Joanna's physiotherapy practice, individuals with managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease are guided towards enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time.

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

Joanna practices at Bayview Rehabilitation, a physiotherapy clinic in the central North York neighborhood of North York. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?
The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.
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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.
Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?
Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.
What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?
Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.
What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?
Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.
What are Bayview Rehabilitation's operating hours?
Bayview Rehabilitation 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 the clinic or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.
Will I be given exercises to do at home?
Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

Bayview Rehabilitation
3333 Bayview Ave., #206
North York, ON, M2K 1G4

Phone: (416) 222-7401

Chung Yan 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: XXX73

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9bc4b2ec-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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

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