Joanne Jo-Yan Leung – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Joanne Jo-Yan Leung is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Scarborough Health Network in Toronto, ON, Joanne Leung is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Joanne Leung focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Joanne Leung serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Joanne Jo-Yan Leung completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2014). With clinical experience, Joanne Leung is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Joanne Leung has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Joanne Leung employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Joanne Leung offers consultations in English.

Joanne Jo-Yan Leung provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Neurological

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Helping individuals with spinal cord injuries achieve their highest level of physical potential through targeted exercises, functional training, equipment prescription, and compensatory strategies.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation for facial nerve disorders to help restore facial expression, improve function (e.g., eating, speaking, eye closure), and enhance overall facial appearance and confidence.

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Gentle and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation following spinal surgery (e.g., for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spinal fusion), initiated once cleared by your surgeon, to improve mobility, core strength, posture, reduce pain, and safely return to daily activities.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.
• 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.

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. Joanne Leung can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Specialized physiotherapy programs focused on addressing the unique physical needs of older adults, aiming to improve mobility, strength, balance, flexibility, manage age-related conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia), and reduce the risk of falls.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Comprehensive support for improving performance in activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, bathing, transferring, cooking) and rebuilding physical confidence and independence in older adults.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.

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

• Patients struggling with loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury can find dedicated and compassionate support from Joanne Leung. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match.
• Struggling with the frustration of that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder? Joanne Leung develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching. This is key to helping you get back to doing dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Joanne Leung's clinic, common concerns like feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night? Joanne Leung works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts.

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

Joanne Leung practices at Scarborough Health Network, situated in the Guildwood, Morningside, West Hill neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near MaRS Discovery District and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Scarborough Health Network offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

What are Scarborough Health Network's operating hours?

Scarborough Health Network 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/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

Scarborough Health Network
2867 Ellesmere Road, 3rd Floor
Toronto, ON, M1E 4B9

Phone: (416) 284-8131

Joanne Jo-Yan Leung 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: XXX39

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=64adeb39-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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