Helen Oi-Lam Cheung

Helen Oi-Lam Cheung provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

Hand Wrist

• 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.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

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. Helen Cheung can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.

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

• Are you finding that that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work stops you from enjoying being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children? Helen Cheung is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions) through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Helen Cheung believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot is hindering your ability to reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain, a personalized plan focusing on restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements can make all the difference.
• Struggling with the frustration of recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery? Helen Cheung develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function. This is key to helping you get back to doing reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Physiotherapy with Helen Cheung can be a transformative turning point for those affected by trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The shared goal is achieving being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury, paving the way for you to enjoy easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Helen Cheung practices at Black Creek Community Health Center, situated in the Downsview Central neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Polson Pier and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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 or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. It is essential to check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your initial physiotherapy visit will likely be about an hour long. This allows for a thorough assessment and discussion of your treatment goals. Follow-up sessions are usually between 30 and 45 minutes, but this can vary depending on your needs. Your physiotherapist will advise you on the appropriate appointment length.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed varies greatly depending on your condition's severity, its duration, your goals, your body's response to treatment, and your adherence to your home exercise program. Your physiotherapist will provide an estimate after your initial assessment and will regularly reassess your progress.

Black Creek Community Health Center
2202 Jane Street, Unit 5
Toronto, ON, M3M 1A4

Phone: (416) 249-8000

Helen Oi-Lam Cheung 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: XXX75

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=35780028-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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