Derrick Yuandi Shao – Physiotherapist | Thornhill, ON

Derrick Yuandi Shao is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Vaughan Physiotherapy Clinic in Thornhill, ON, Derrick is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Derrick 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. Derrick serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

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

Derrick employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Thornhill community through proactive physiotherapy. Derrick offers consultations in Chinese, English.

Derrick Yuandi Shao provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

Arthritis

• 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.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).

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. Derrick can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity? Derrick develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain. This is key to helping you get back to doing enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Patients struggling with awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) can find dedicated and compassionate support from Derrick. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement and achieved enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications under the skilled care of Derrick. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout with a new lease on life.
• The journey to reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease when faced with persistent recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches is made smoother and more effective with Derrick's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms.

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

Derrick practices at Vaughan Physiotherapy Clinic, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 coverage requirements.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

How can I book an appointment at Vaughan Physiotherapy Clinic?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 669-1221 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.

Is there parking available at or near Vaughan Physiotherapy Clinic?

Street parking is available near Vaughan Physiotherapy Clinic. There are also paid parking lots nearby. Please check local signage for time limits and restrictions.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Vaughan Physiotherapy Clinic treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, electrotherapy, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs and in certain 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. Most individuals will need to rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy services in private clinics. It is strongly recommended to check with your private insurance provider to confirm your coverage.

Vaughan Physiotherapy Clinic
201-398 Steeles Ave.
Thornhill, ON, L4J 6X3

Phone: (905) 669-1221

Derrick Yuandi Shao 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: XXX61

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b3eb7ead-b67e-ea11-a811-000d3af427b4

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