John Wai-Sum Chan – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

John Wai-Sum Chan is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at John Chan Physiotherapy in St. Catharines, ON, John is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. John's approach focuses on addressing 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. John serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

John Wai-Sum Chan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Graduating Class of 1988). With extensive clinical experience, John is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. John has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

John's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy. John maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. John offers consultations in Cantonese, English.

John Wai-Sum Chan provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.

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. John can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.

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

• The path to recovery from recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) and achieving noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks for dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks often starts with expert guidance. John, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• For those whose persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady has made getting on and off the floor with ease seem like a distant memory, John's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio). Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to getting on and off the floor with ease with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• With John's help, managing difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain to achieve effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.
• Don't let sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica dictate what you can and cannot do. John offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, helping you reclaim taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day and enjoy a more functional life.

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

John Chan Physiotherapy is conveniently located in the Lakeport, Lakeshore neighbourhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is situated near the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and is easily accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What are John Chan Physiotherapy's operating hours?

John Chan Physiotherapy is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners may offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (905) 935-2000 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 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 there may be waitlists. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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 (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to discuss your issue, its history, and your overall health. John will perform physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and areas of concern. The goal is to understand your condition to develop a tailored treatment plan. You might receive home exercises or initial hands-on care.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

Bring your health card, any referral letters, and reports/images from medical tests. If you have private insurance, bring your card or policy details. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy uses hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization, joint manipulation (where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), soft tissue mobilization (massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization. The goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair.

How can I book an appointment at John Chan Physiotherapy?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 935-2000 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness is normal. However, if your pain significantly worsens, you develop new symptoms, or discomfort doesn't settle within a day or two, please call the clinic. John will offer guidance and adjust your care plan as needed. Open communication is key.

John Chan Physiotherapy
2-132 Lakeshore Road
St. Catharines, ON, L2N 2T5

Phone: (905) 935-2000

John Wai-Sum Chan 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: XXX09

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=7d406fd2-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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