Dr. Sunu Maria Liao

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Sunu Maria Liao addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A multimodal approach to complex pain conditions involving muscles and connective tissues.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Management strategies for arthritis, including medication, injections, bracing, and exercise programs to improve joint function and reduce pain.
• 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.

Post Surgical Rehab

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

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.

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

• Medication Management for Pain & Spasticity: Careful selection and adjustment of medications to manage complex pain syndromes and muscle spasticity.
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Specialized rehabilitation to help patients with spinal cord injuries achieve their maximum potential for independence.
• Spasticity Management (e.g., Botulinum Toxin Injections): Targeted injections to manage disabling muscle stiffness and spasms, enhancing comfort and functional abilities.
• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Creating multidisciplinary treatment strategies involving therapies, assistive devices, and lifestyle modifications to optimize recovery and function.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injuries, addressing cognitive, physical, and behavioral sequelae.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Liao. 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. Sunu Maria Liao adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

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

• When feeling generally weak and deconditioned after a long illness begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Liao helps patients strive for a clear understanding of their condition and a personalized rehabilitation plan. This makes participating in activities such as playing with their children or grandchildren on the floor a pleasant and possible experience again.
• At Dr. Liao's clinic, addressing wanting to improve their posture and body mechanics to reduce strain means focusing on patient goals. Achieving gaining the skills and support needed to live a more active and fulfilling life helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to their child being able to play and interact with peers more easily.
• Patients presenting with wanting to improve their walking pattern and reduce limping can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of better understanding of how to adapt their environment to their needs under Dr. Liao's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume enjoying a walk on uneven ground or nature trails without the former limitations or discomfort.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Liao to see patients who were troubled by feeling very stiff and having trouble moving because of their Parkinson's successfully achieve achieving a better overall sense of well-being and physical comfort. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like writing or typing without hand pain or fatigue.

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

Dr. Liao's practice, Markham Stouffville Health Centre, is situated in a central location within the Scarborough neighborhood of Scarborough. 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.

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

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Liao 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. Liao 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 Markham Stouffville Health Centre 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. Liao treats?

Physiatrists like Dr. Liao 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. Liao focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

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 primary approaches differ. Orthopedic Surgeons are surgical specialists focused on operative treatment of bone, joint, and related soft tissue conditions. Neurologists are medical specialists who diagnose and treat diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, often primarily with medication or diagnostic procedures. Physiatrists like Dr. Liao focus on optimizing function and quality of life through primarily non-surgical means, comprehensive rehabilitation planning, and managing disabilities across a spectrum of conditions. They often take a holistic view of how a condition impacts a patient's daily life and activities, coordinating multidisciplinary care.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Liao at Markham Stouffville Health Centre?

The first visit with Dr. Liao will typically involve a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, their impact on daily activities, and previous treatments. Dr. Liao will then perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the musculoskeletal and/or neurological system depending on the presenting problem. Any prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Liao will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential 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. Liao?

In ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Liao for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like OHIP. This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Liao 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. Liao do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Liao 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.

Markham Stouffville Health Centre
Unit Suite 408, 2901 Lawrence Avenue East, Suite 408
Scarborough, ON, M1P 2T3

Phone: (416) 266-6155

Dr. Sunu Maria Liao 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: 59237

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Liao-Sunu-Maria/0045259-59237

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