Clarence Ching Ho Lau – Physiotherapist | Markham, ON

Clarence Ching Ho Lau is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Clarence Lau, Physiotherapist in Markham, ON, Clarence is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Clarence 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. Clarence serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Clarence Ching Ho Lau completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Queensland (Graduating Class of 2011). With extensive clinical experience, Clarence is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Clarence has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Clarence's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Markham community through proactive physiotherapy; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Clarence Ching Ho Lau offers consultations in Cantonese, English.

Clarence Ching Ho Lau provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.

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. Clarence can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash? Clarence develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur. This is key to helping you get back to doing going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• With Clarence's help, managing numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs to achieve improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
• It's truly rewarding for Clarence to witness patients conquer recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) and experience restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in competing effectively in their curling league games again.
• Clarence believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) is hindering your ability to managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain, a personalized plan focusing on a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency can make all the difference.

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

Clarence Lau, Physiotherapist, is conveniently located in the Unionville North, Berczy Village West neighborhood of Markham. The clinic is easily accessible near the Angus Glen Community Centre & Library and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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. This is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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.

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 Ontarians. 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's essential to check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

How can I book an appointment at Clarence Lau, Physiotherapist?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 316-6469 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.

Clarence Lau, Physiotherapist
32 Bonnycastle Road
Markham, ON, L6G 0C2

Phone: (416) 316-6469

Clarence Ching Ho 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: XXX48

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=5c037e50-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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