Joon-Hyung Tak – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Joon-Hyung Tak is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre - St. John's Rehab in Toronto, ON, John is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. John's focus is 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.

Joon-Hyung Tak completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2014). With clinical experience, Joon-Hyung Tak is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Joon-Hyung Tak has a particular interest or 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 Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Joon-Hyung Tak offers consultations in English, French, Korean.

Joon-Hyung Tak provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.

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.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.

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 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre - St. John's Rehab, 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:

• Don't let feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older dictate what you can and cannot do. John offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life, helping you reclaim standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event and enjoy a more functional life.
• Tired of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain interfering with returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain? John uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications and regain your freedom of movement.
• The path to recovery from clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk and achieving feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health for engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours often starts with expert guidance. John, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• John believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak is hindering your ability to attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout, a personalized plan focusing on moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years can make all the difference.

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

John practices at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre - St. John's Rehab, situated in the Newtonbrook, Willowdale neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Union Station and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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.

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. Always check your private insurance for coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Is there parking available at or near Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre - St. John's Rehab?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to the building. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre - St. John's Rehab treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre - St. John's Rehab
285 Cummer Avenue, North York
Toronto, ON, M2M 2G1

Phone: (416) 226-6780

Joon-Hyung Tak 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=85a8b269-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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