Irene Koo – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Irene Koo is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Mount Sinai Hospital - Toronto in Toronto, ON, Irene Koo is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Irene Koo focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Irene Koo serves adults.

Irene Koo completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2000). With extensive clinical experience, Irene Koo is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Irene Koo has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Irene Koo employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Irene Koo maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care, empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Irene Koo offers consultations in Cantonese, Chinese, English.

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

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): An overuse injury where the bone is unable to withstand repetitive mechanical loading, requiring a period of offloading and gradual rehabilitation guided by a physiotherapist for safe return to activity.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Damage to muscle tissue that can range from minor micro-tears to more significant partial or complete tears, impacting strength, power, and range of motion.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Injuries like a 'twisted ankle', 'knee ligament injury', or 'shoulder separation' (AC joint sprain) sustained during athletic activity or accidental falls.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.

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. Irene Koo can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Irene Koo, 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 Mount Sinai Hospital - Toronto, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Irene Koo frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury when faced with persistent recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) is made smoother and more effective with Irene Koo's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim)? Irene Koo works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work.
• The path to recovery from breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity and achieving improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain for reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain often starts with expert guidance. Irene Koo, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• It's truly rewarding for Irene Koo to witness patients conquer hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side and experience getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands again.

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

Irene Koo practices at Mount Sinai Hospital - Toronto, situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private and extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Mount Sinai Hospital - Toronto treat?

Physiotherapists at Mount Sinai Hospital - Toronto treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas such as general physiotherapy and pelvic health. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, neural mobilization techniques, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

What is Mount Sinai Hospital - Toronto's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What are Mount Sinai Hospital - Toronto's operating hours?

Our clinic 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.

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 (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. It is strongly recommended that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause temporary soreness, it should not be excessively painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what to expect and will adjust techniques to ensure your comfort while achieving therapeutic benefits. Communication about your comfort level is very important.

Mount Sinai Hospital - Toronto
600 University Avenue
Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5

Phone: (416) 586-4800

Irene Koo 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: XXX84

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6ad85fc9-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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