Dr. Hedva Hay-Wa Chiu – Pain Management Specialist / Physical Therapist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Hedva Hay-Wa Chiu is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at Brightshores Health System in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Chiu is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Chiu 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. Chiu 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. Chiu serves patients of all ages, from children and adolescents through to adults and seniors, requiring functional restoration.

Dr. Hedva Hay-Wa Chiu earned a Medical Degree in 2018. Subsequently, Dr. Chiu completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Chiu brings valuable clinical experience to her practice. Dr. Chiu's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Chiu is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care. Key aspects of Dr. Chiu'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. Chiu is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese.

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Hedva Hay-Wa Chiu addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Treating localized muscle pain and trigger points characteristic of myofascial pain syndrome.
• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Addressing various causes of back and neck discomfort through physiatric assessment and treatment.

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Helping patients regain mobility, strength, and independence after major surgical interventions.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Addressing the underlying biomechanical factors contributing to overuse injuries and implementing strategies for recovery and prevention.
• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Non-operative treatment and rehabilitation for common sports injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, tendon injuries, and stress fractures.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Treatment aimed at reducing severe pain, swelling, skin changes, and functional impairment associated with CRPS.
• Chronic Widespread Pain: A comprehensive approach to managing complex and diffuse pain that significantly impacts daily life.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Chiu, 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.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs for sprains, strains, tendon injuries, and other sports-related conditions.
• Treatment of Joint Pain (Arthritis, Tendinopathies): Managing pain and dysfunction related to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and other joint conditions.
• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Diagnostic procedures to evaluate the health of muscles and the nerves that control them.
• 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. Chiu. 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. Hedva Hay-Wa Chiu adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Brightshores Health System, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Chiu frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When patients discuss severe pain and strange sensations in their limb after an old injury (CRPS-like symptoms), Dr. Chiu outlines a path to feeling empowered to take an active role in their recovery, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably resuming a favorite craft or artistic pursuit.
• A key objective when treating feeling unsteady on their feet and worrying about falls at Dr. Chiu's welcoming dental clinic is achieving optimized recovery after surgery or a major medical event. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like taking care of their personal hygiene needs with dignity.
• Dr. Chiu provides dedicated support for patients going through feeling generally weak and deconditioned after a long illness, always aiming for positive outcomes like feeling heard and supported throughout their treatment journey, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as lifting and carrying their young child or pet.
• Patients presenting with the frustration of not being able to do the hobbies they once loved due to pain or disability can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of successfully navigating the challenges of a new diagnosis with expert guidance under Dr. Chiu's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume returning to their job or volunteer work without the former limitations or discomfort.

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

Dr. Chiu's practice, Brightshores Health System, is situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Carleton University and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Chiu 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. Chiu are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided the patient has a valid health card and 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 Brightshores Health System 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 are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Chiu treats?

Physiatrists like Dr. Chiu 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. Dr. Chiu focuses 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. Chiu?

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

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Chiu at Brightshores Health System?

Your first visit with Dr. Chiu will typically involve a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, their impact on your daily life, and previous treatments. Dr. Chiu will perform a thorough physical examination, potentially focusing on the musculoskeletal or neurological system. Prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Chiu will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, collaborating with you to establish functional goals.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Chiu is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing 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 quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities. 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.

Brightshores Health System
505 Smyth Rd, Department of Emergency Medicine
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M2

Phone: (613) 737-7350

Dr. Hedva Hay-Wa Chiu 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: 118436

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chiu-Hedva-HayWa/0328247-118436

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