Dr. Aaron Kin-Yun Chan – Pain Management Specialist / Physical Therapist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Aaron Kin-Yun Chan is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at a rehabilitation clinic in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Chan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Chan is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the medical profession in BC. As a certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (also known as a Physiatrist), Dr. Chan focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The goal is to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. Dr. Chan serves patients of all ages, from children and adolescents through to adults and seniors, requiring functional restoration.

Dr. Aaron Kin-Yun Chan earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from University Of British Columbia, graduating in 2012. Subsequently, Dr. Chan completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). With over 13 years of practice since 2012, Dr. Chan's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Additionally, Dr. Chan holds qualifications/certifications such as: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Chan is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. Chan's medical practice philosophy include: collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive and coordinated care; empowering patients through education about their condition and active participation in their treatment plan. Dr. Chan provides consultations in English.

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Aaron Kin-Yun Chan addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Helping athletes recover from injury, regain strength and flexibility, and safely return to their sport.
• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Managing conditions caused by repetitive stress and overuse, such as tendinopathies, shin splints, or stress reactions.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Addressing chronic pain conditions caused by nerve injury or disease.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of CRPS (formerly RSD), a chronic pain condition typically affecting an arm or leg after an injury or trauma.

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Helping patients regain strength, endurance, and mobility to improve their ability to perform daily tasks.
• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Helping amputees achieve optimal function, comfort, and independence with their prosthetic devices.

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Guiding recovery and functional restoration after orthopedic or neurosurgical procedures.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Chan, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Leading a rehabilitation team to ensure all aspects of a patient's recovery are addressed cohesively.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Maximizing functional recovery and independence after a cerebrovascular accident through a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Medication Management for Pain & Spasticity: Careful selection and adjustment of medications to manage complex pain syndromes and muscle spasticity.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Non-invasive imaging to visualize musculoskeletal structures and guide therapeutic interventions.
• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Creating multidisciplinary treatment strategies involving therapies, assistive devices, and lifestyle modifications to optimize recovery and function.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Chan. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Aaron Kin-Yun Chan adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in BC and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Dr. Aaron Kin-Yun Chan's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Chan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When patients discuss feeling like their body just isn't recovering properly after an accident, Dr. Chan outlines a path to their functional goals being met through a tailored rehabilitation program, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably feeling confident enough to try new physical activities within their capacity.
• Dr. Chan's comprehensive care for their knee pain stopping them from climbing stairs or kneeling is meticulously designed to result in better understanding of how to adapt their environment to their needs. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as cooking their own meals and managing household chores without dental worries.
• With Dr. Chan's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing needing support to navigate the complexities of their rehabilitation journey is focused on achieving achieving the best possible physical function given their underlying condition. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to participating in their favorite sports or fitness activities without dental concerns.
• Effectively addressing wanting to improve their posture and body mechanics to reduce strain with Dr. Chan's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of successfully navigating the challenges of a new diagnosis with expert guidance, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in playing with their children or grandchildren on the floor and social interactions.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Chan, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Chan is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Chan's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Vancouver, is situated in the Fairview neighborhood, conveniently located near Heritage Hall. The clinic is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Chan?

In British Columbia, a referral from your family doctor (GP) or another specialist is usually required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Chan for consultations and treatments covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Chan has your complete medical history. If you think you need a physiatric assessment, please speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Chan at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Chan will involve a thorough assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, your current symptoms (including when they started and how they affect your daily life), and any previous treatments. Dr. Chan will perform a physical examination focusing on the relevant systems (musculoskeletal and/or neurological). Any previous imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Chan will discuss possible diagnoses, may recommend further tests, and will outline treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to set functional goals.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Chan recommend them?

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates the electrical activity of your muscles, while Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly electrical signals travel along your nerves. Dr. Chan might recommend these tests to diagnose conditions like pinched nerves (radiculopathy), carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve or muscle problems, guiding treatment.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Chan treats?

Physiatrists like Dr. Chan treat a wide range of conditions, including the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. The focus is always on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Chan covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Chan are covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC, provided you have a valid health card and an appropriate referral (if required). However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain injections, assistive devices, comprehensive programs) may not be fully covered, or may have extra fees. Inquire with the clinic about potential costs and check your private insurance coverage for any adjunctive therapies or devices.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Chan do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Chan is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. Their goal is to improve functional ability, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities. They use non-surgical treatments like medication, exercise programs, injections (when appropriate), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

How is a Physiatrist different from an Orthopedic Surgeon or a Neurologist?

While all three specialties may deal with the musculoskeletal and/or nervous systems, their approaches differ. Orthopedic Surgeons perform surgery on bones, joints, and related tissues. Neurologists diagnose and treat diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, often using medication. Physiatrists like Dr. Chan focus on non-surgical treatments, rehabilitation planning, and managing disabilities across a wide range of conditions. They take a holistic view of how a condition impacts a patient's daily life and activities, coordinating multidisciplinary care.

4255 Laurel St, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre
Vancouver, BC, V5Z 2G9

Phone: (604) 734-1313

Dr. Aaron Kin-Yun Chan is a licensed Physiatrist in BC, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

License Number: 62378

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/333335/Chan%2CAaron

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Chan. Dr. Chan and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.