Dr. Allison Acord Chan – Pain Management Specialist / Physical Therapist | Markham, ON

Dr. Allison Acord Chan is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at Credit Valley Hospital in Markham, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the medical profession in ON. 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. Allison Acord Chan earned a Medical Degree in 2017. Subsequently, Dr. Chan completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Chan brings valuable clinical experience to her practice. Dr. Chan's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). 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; a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in rehabilitation techniques. Dr. Chan is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese.

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Allison Acord Chan addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Addressing chronic pain conditions caused by nerve injury or disease.
• Chronic Widespread Pain: Addressing persistent pain that affects multiple body regions, often associated with conditions like fibromyalgia or central sensitization.

Neurological Conditions

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussion Rehabilitation: Managing the physical, cognitive, and behavioral consequences of head injuries, from mild concussions to severe TBI.
• Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident - CVA) Rehabilitation: Post-stroke care focusing on maximizing recovery of motor function, speech, cognition, and independence in daily activities.
• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation strategies to improve mobility, balance, gait, and performance of daily activities for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Diagnosing and managing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by damage to peripheral nerves (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy).

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Rehabilitation programs to address generalized weakness, fatigue, and loss of function following prolonged illness, hospitalization, or inactivity.
• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Helping amputees achieve optimal function, comfort, and independence with their prosthetic devices.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Treating joint pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases.
• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Managing acute or chronic pain in the lumbar, thoracic, or cervical spine due to disc issues, arthritis, muscle strain, or stenosis without surgery.

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.

• Spasticity Management (e.g., Botulinum Toxin Injections): Utilizing botulinum toxin (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®) injections to reduce muscle spasticity and improve range of motion in conditions like stroke, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury.
• Management of Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson's): Managing symptoms and functional limitations associated with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, and muscular dystrophies.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Non-invasive imaging to visualize musculoskeletal structures and guide therapeutic interventions.
• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Goal-oriented rehabilitation planning to help patients regain independence and improve their ability to perform daily activities.
• Medication Management for Pain & Spasticity: Expert prescription and monitoring of analgesic medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and medications for neuropathic pain or spasticity.

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. Allison Acord Chan adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Credit Valley Hospital, 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:

• Managing their multiple sclerosis symptoms making it difficult to stay active effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Chan and the dental team. The clear aim is always learning effective strategies to cope with chronic pain or disability, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying engaging in light exercises like swimming or cycling and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Dr. Chan expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of experiencing pain or weakness that doctors haven't been able to diagnose easily. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by a significant reduction in their daily pain levels, means they can happily and comfortably get back to performing household repairs or light maintenance tasks.
• The journey from difficulty participating in family activities due to physical limitations to wellness often involves Dr. Chan's dedicated care. The milestone is optimized recovery after surgery or a major medical event, which opens the door back to activities such as enjoying intimate moments without being limited by pain or physical restriction.
• At Dr. Chan's clinic, addressing not being able to use their hand effectively after a nerve injury means focusing on patient goals. Achieving being able to perform daily self-care tasks independently again helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to feeling confident enough to try new physical activities within their capacity.

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 is located at Credit Valley Hospital in the Greensborough neighborhood of Markham. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Historic Unionville Village and is easily accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Chan covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Chan are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided the patient has a valid health card and an appropriate referral if required by the plan or clinic. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain types of injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees for materials or facility use. It's always best for patients to inquire with Credit Valley Hospital about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Chan at Credit Valley Hospital?

Your first visit with Dr. Chan will typically involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the nature and timeline of your current symptoms, how these symptoms impact your daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Chan will then perform a thorough physical examination, which may focus on the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, spine) and/or neurological system depending on the presenting problem. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT) or test results will be reviewed. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Chan will discuss her diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

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

Physiatrists like Dr. Chan treat a wide range of conditions. Some common examples include 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. Dr. Chan's focus is on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

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

Yes, in ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Chan for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Chan has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Chan is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities resulting from injury (e.g., sports injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury), illness (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis), or chronic pain. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

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

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

Credit Valley Hospital
101A-72 Copper Creek Dr
Markham, ON, L6B 0P2

Phone: (647) 363-6963

Dr. Allison Acord Chan is a licensed Physiatrist in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 112388

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chan-Allison-Acord/0317922-112388

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.