Hazel Wu – Physiotherapist | Richmond Hill, ON

Hazel Wu is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at C.E.S. Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Ltd in Richmond Hill, ON, Hazel Wu is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Hazel Wu addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Hazel Wu specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Care is tailored to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Hazel Wu serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Hazel Wu completed their degree in Physiotherapy from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Graduating Class of 2018). With clinical experience, Hazel Wu is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Hazel Wu has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy.

Hazel Wu empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Richmond Hill community through proactive physiotherapy. Hazel Wu offers consultations in Cantonese, English, Mandarin.

Hazel Wu provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Hazel Wu can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Hazel Wu, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At C.E.S. Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Ltd, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Hazel Wu frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Don't let needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity dictate what you can and cannot do. Hazel Wu offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance, helping you reclaim managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain and enjoy a more functional life.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Hazel Wu's clinic, common concerns like numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events.
• Struggling with the frustration of awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis)? Hazel Wu develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. This is key to helping you get back to doing simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• The journey to noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks when faced with persistent trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury is made smoother and more effective with Hazel Wu's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Hazel Wu, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Hazel Wu's practice at C.E.S. Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Ltd is situated in the Langstaff, South Richvale neighborhood of Richmond Hill. The clinic is conveniently located near Highway 404 Access and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so it's essential to check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Does C.E.S. Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Ltd offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most of the population. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

What are C.E.S. Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Ltd's operating hours?

C.E.S. Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Ltd is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

C.E.S. Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Ltd
108 - 350 Highway 7 E
Richmond Hill, ON, L4B 3N2

Phone: (905) 771-8882

Hazel Wu is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX07

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=43920ab6-fe7b-ed11-81ad-002248d51760

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.