Dr. Chester Ho Kai Ho

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Chester Ho Kai Ho addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Managing conditions caused by repetitive stress and overuse, such as tendinopathies, shin splints, or stress reactions.
• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Specialized care to optimize recovery and prevent re-injury in athletes of all levels.

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

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

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Developing rehabilitation plans to optimize outcomes following surgeries like total knee/hip replacement, rotator cuff repair, or spinal fusion.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• 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.
• Chronic Widespread Pain: A comprehensive approach to managing complex and diffuse pain that significantly impacts daily life.
• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Managing pain arising from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, such as diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, or radicular pain.

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

• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Diagnostic procedures to evaluate the health of muscles and the nerves that control them.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Comprehensive rehabilitation programs for individuals recovering from stroke to improve mobility, speech, cognition, and activities of daily living.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Point-of-care ultrasound to diagnose soft tissue injuries, guide injections, and monitor treatment progress.
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for individuals with paraplegia or quadriplegia, including bladder/bowel management, spasticity control, and assistive technology.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with TBI improve cognitive function, physical abilities, and psychosocial adjustment.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Ho. 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. Chester Ho Kai Ho adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in AB and the standards of The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

At Dr. Chester Ho Kai Ho'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. Ho frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Managing not being able to return to work because of their physical limitations effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Ho and the dental team. The clear aim is always reduced frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck issues, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying managing their energy levels better throughout the day and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Ho when they first notice trouble with their memory and concentration after a head injury. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve a significant reduction in their daily pain levels, enabling them to once again enjoy performing tasks that require fine motor coordination without hesitation.
• If the ongoing pain and fatigue from fibromyalgia impacting every part of their life has unfortunately put returning to their job or volunteer work on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Ho works closely with patients towards attaining reduced muscle spasms and improved range of motion, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• For individuals troubled by wanting to improve their posture and body mechanics to reduce strain, Dr. Ho's approach is focused on delivering feeling heard and supported throughout their treatment journey. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like writing or typing without hand pain or fatigue with a healthier smile.

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

Dr. Ho's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Edmonton, is situated in the N Central: Queen Mary Park, Central McDougall, Blatchford Area neighborhood of Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently located near ICE District and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). Please inquire about specific parking arrangements if you have mobility concerns.

What should I bring to my appointment with Dr. Ho?

To ensure a smooth and efficient appointment, please bring your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card, referral letter (if applicable), a complete list of current medications (including dosages and frequencies for prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements), copies of relevant medical records, and any imaging reports (X-ray, MRI, CT scan reports are generally more useful than images initially) or test results. Comfortable clothing that allows easy examination of the affected area(s) is recommended, as well as any braces, splints, or assistive devices you currently use.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Ho covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Ho are typically covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), provided you have a valid health card and an appropriate referral (if required by the plan or clinic). However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain injections, assistive devices, comprehensive programs) may have associated fees or may not be fully covered. Inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments, and check your private insurance coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

Dr. Ho treats a wide range of conditions impacting physical function, including the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), various 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.

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

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

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

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, their impact on your daily life, and previous treatments. Dr. Ho will perform a thorough physical examination (musculoskeletal and/or neurological, depending on your needs). Any prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Ho will discuss diagnostic impressions, recommend further investigations if needed, and outline treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

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

In Alberta, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required for consultations and treatments covered by AHCIP. This ensures the consultation is appropriate and Dr. Ho has necessary background information. Discuss with your primary care physician if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

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

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

How long will my treatment or rehabilitation with Dr. Ho take?

Treatment duration varies greatly depending on the condition's severity, your individual goals, response to treatment, and the rehabilitation plan's complexity. Some conditions may require only a few consultations, while others (like stroke or spinal cord injury recovery) may involve longer-term management. Dr. Ho will discuss an estimated timeline and milestones after the initial assessment and as treatment progresses.

10230 111 Ave NW, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
Edmonton, AB, T5G 0B7

Phone: (780) 735-8213

Dr. Chester Ho Kai Ho is a licensed Physiatrist in AB, regulated by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act (Alberta).

License Number: 17803

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=798449d2-871f-4399-ae78-908baa16b81e&i=625

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Ho. Dr. Ho 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.