Clarissa Wang – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Clarissa Wang is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Mend Physio in Toronto, ON, Clarissa Wang is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Clarissa Wang 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. Clarissa Wang serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Clarissa Wang completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2016). With clinical experience, Clarissa Wang is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Clarissa Wang has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Clarissa Wang maintains 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; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Clarissa Wang offers consultations in English.

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

Hand Wrist

• 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.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.
• 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): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Restoring spinal function, core stability, and body mechanics post-operatively, ensuring a safe progression back to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• 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).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.

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. Clarissa Wang can assess your needs.

• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.

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

• Tired of trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) interfering with playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids? Clarissa Wang uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form and regain your freedom of movement.
• It's truly rewarding for Clarissa Wang to witness patients conquer recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) and experience a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting again.
• When feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably, physiotherapy with Clarissa Wang can help you work towards improved performance in work-related physical demands. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Are you finding that pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) stops you from enjoying being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house? Clarissa Wang is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Clarissa Wang practices at Mend Physio, situated in the Studio District (Leslieville) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Distillery District and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is Mend Physio's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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?

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 should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

Mend Physio
270 Carlaw Ave., Unit 101
Toronto, ON, M4M 3L1

Phone: (647) 347-6363

Clarissa Wang 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: XXX16

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=59d75b8e-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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