Dolly Ho – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Dolly Ho is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Humber River Hospital in Toronto, ON, Dolly is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Dolly 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. Dolly serves seniors.

Dolly Ho completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1994). With clinical experience, Dolly Ho is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Dolly Ho has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Dolly maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Dolly Ho offers consultations in English.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• 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.

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. Dolly can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• 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.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Comprehensive strategies developed with your Physiotherapist to help you understand and live better with chronic pain, focusing on improving function, reducing pain's impact, and enhancing self-efficacy rather than solely on pain elimination.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Helping you manage fibromyalgia symptoms through targeted exercise, education on pain mechanisms, and self-care strategies to improve daily function and overall quality of life.
• 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.

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

• With Dolly's help, managing difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain to achieve successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time.
• Rediscover your ability to running their usual 5k route without knee pain without the constant burden of trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip. Dolly focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• If difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy is preventing you from fully enjoying peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours, Dolly offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Living with dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash doesn't have to be your norm. Dolly applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.

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

Dolly practices at Humber River Hospital, situated in the Downsview Central neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Lee's Palace and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 plans, 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 types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Humber River Hospital 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), and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health. Our treatments often involve Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation), and patient education.

Is there parking available at or near Humber River Hospital?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to the hospital. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing. If direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt.

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

Wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful.

Humber River Hospital
1235 Wilson Ave.
Toronto, ON, M3M 0B2

Phone: (416) 242-1000

Dolly Ho 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: XXX64

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=0566565c-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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