Dr. Raphael Kian Thong Chow

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Raphael Kian Thong Chow addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

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: Specialized care to optimize recovery and prevent re-injury in athletes of all levels.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Addressing soft tissue inflammation around joints to relieve pain and restore normal movement.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Treating localized muscle pain and trigger points characteristic of myofascial pain syndrome.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Helping patients manage the symptoms of various arthritic conditions affecting mobility and quality of life.
• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Addressing various causes of back and neck discomfort through physiatric assessment and treatment.

Neurological Conditions

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Management & Rehabilitation: Long-term care and rehabilitation for individuals with traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injuries, addressing paralysis, spasticity, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and other complications.
• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation strategies to improve mobility, balance, gait, and performance of daily activities for individuals with Parkinson's disease.

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

• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Specialized care for athletes with musculoskeletal injuries, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and safe return to sport.
• Treatment of Joint Pain (Arthritis, Tendinopathies): Managing pain and dysfunction related to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and other joint conditions.
• Management of Back & Neck Pain: Non-surgical treatment for acute and chronic spinal pain, including disc herniations, spinal stenosis, and degenerative conditions.
• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Diagnostic procedures to evaluate the health of muscles and the nerves that control them.
• 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. Chow. 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. Raphael Kian Thong Chow adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Dr. Raphael Kian Thong Chow'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. Chow frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing their recovery from surgery being much slower than they expected is a common journey for patients under Dr. Chow's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling learning techniques to prevent re-injury or a worsening of their condition, so that daily routines and pleasures like participating in physical therapy sessions with greater ease and less pain become straightforward again.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Chow with concerns about difficulty with fine motor skills like writing or buttoning clothes. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve a smoother transition back to community living after hospitalization, making a positive and lasting return to bending down or kneeling without severe discomfort not just possible, but highly feasible.
• For patients where trouble with their memory and concentration after a head injury is a primary concern, Dr. Chow focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in feeling more confident in their physical abilities. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully feeling confident enough to try new physical activities within their capacity.
• When feeling exhausted all the time and having widespread muscle aches starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to playing with their children or grandchildren on the floor, Dr. Chow and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by better management of their chronic condition, leading to an improved quality of life and a return to comfort and confidence.

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

Dr. Chow's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Thornhill, is situated in a central location within the Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Please inquire about specific parking arrangements if you have mobility concerns.

How often will I need to see Dr. Chow for follow-up appointments?

The frequency of follow-up appointments with Dr. Chow will depend on the nature of the condition being treated, the specific treatment plan, and how the patient is progressing. Initially, visits might be more frequent to monitor response to treatment or adjust medications/therapies. As the condition stabilizes or improves, follow-ups may become less frequent, focusing on long-term management, prevention, and ensuring functional goals are maintained. Dr. Chow will recommend a follow-up schedule tailored to each patient's needs.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Chow 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.

Does Dr. Chow work with other healthcare professionals as part of a rehabilitation team?

Physiatrists like Dr. Chow often work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive rehabilitation care. This team may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, social workers, kinesiologists, orthotists/prosthetists, and other medical specialists. Dr. Chow typically coordinates with these professionals to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to the patient's recovery and functional improvement. Patients can ask Dr. Chow about the team members who might be involved in their care at the clinic or through referral.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Chow 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. Chow 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 the clinic 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.

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

Yes, in ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Chow 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. Chow has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Chow 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. Chow 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.

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

Dr. Chow treats a 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. Chow focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

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

The first visit with Dr. Chow will typically involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current symptoms, how these symptoms impact their daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Chow 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. Chow will discuss his diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with the patient to establish functional goals.

Unit Suite 207, 2900 Steeles Avenue East, Suite 207
Thornhill, ON, L3T 4X1

Phone: (905) 881-6667

Dr. Raphael Kian Thong Chow 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: 29800

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chow-Raphael-Kian-Thong/0024977-29800

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