Heather Chia-Yee Kwok – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Heather Chia-Yee Kwok is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Bridgepoint Active Health Care in Toronto, ON, Heather is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Heather's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Heather serves adults.

Heather Chia-Yee Kwok completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McGill University (Graduating Class of 2003). With clinical experience, Heather is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Heather has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Heather employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Heather offers consultations in Cantonese, Chinese, English.

Heather Chia-Yee Kwok provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Improving safety, function, and quality of life for those with impaired sensation or strength due to various types of peripheral neuropathy.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Addressing conditions affecting nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, aiming to relieve pressure on the nerve, reduce inflammation, restore normal nerve function, and alleviate symptoms.

Neurological

• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Personalized exercise programs, hands-on therapy, and functional retraining for post-stroke recovery, addressing issues like hemiparesis, spasticity, or neglect.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Focusing on restoring movement, balance, and independence after a traumatic or acquired brain injury through evidence-based physiotherapy approaches.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Specialized physiotherapy exercises and movement strategies (e.g., LSVT BIG® principles, amplitude-based training, cueing techniques) to improve balance, gait (walking), posture, flexibility, coordination, and overall motor function in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

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. Heather can assess your needs.

• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Heather, 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 Bridgepoint Active Health Care, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Heather frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Heather's help, managing that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit to achieve greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours.
• At Heather's physiotherapy practice, individuals with that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away are guided towards learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as competing effectively in their curling league games.
• Don't let pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies dictate what you can and cannot do. Heather offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life, helping you reclaim running their usual 5k route without knee pain and enjoy a more functional life.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain and achieved a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency under the skilled care of Heather. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting with a new lease on life.

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

Heather practices at Bridgepoint Active Health Care, situated in the Studio District (Leslieville) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Financial District Core and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 Ontarians. 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 waitlists may exist. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Bridgepoint Active Health Care treat?

Physiotherapists at Bridgepoint Active Health Care treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like general physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio), Core Stability & Strengthening Training, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

No, in Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurer before your appointment to understand your plan's specifics (annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options). If direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer; otherwise, we'll provide a receipt for you to submit. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment.

Bridgepoint Active Health Care
1 Bridgepoint Drive
Toronto, ON, M4M 2B5

Phone: (416) 461-8252

Heather Chia-Yee Kwok 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: XXX01

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9d9e3d8a-8d02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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