Karen Bang – Physiotherapist | Markham, ON

Karen Bang is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Pelvic Health Focus). Practicing at Bespoke Therapy in Markham, ON, Karen Bang is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Karen Bang's role involves providing specialized assessment and treatment for conditions related to the pelvic floor and surrounding region for all genders. This includes issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal concerns. Karen Bang serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Karen Bang completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2017). With clinical experience, Karen Bang is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Karen Bang has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Pelvic Health Physiotherapy.

Karen Bang embraces a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Markham community through proactive physiotherapy. Karen Bang offers consultations in Cantonese, English.

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

Pelvic Health

• Prostatitis Symptoms / Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men (Supportive Care): Supportive physiotherapy care for men experiencing chronic pelvic or prostatic pain, aiming to reduce symptoms and improve daily function and quality of life.
• Constipation / Bowel Dysfunction (Pelvic Floor Related): Difficulty with bowel movements, such as infrequent stools, straining, a sensation of incomplete emptying, or the need for manual maneuvers to defecate, which may be linked to pelvic floor muscle tension (hypertonicity), weakness, or incoordination (dyssynergic defecation).
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Conservative Management): The descent or bulging of one or more pelvic organs (e.g., bladder, uterus, rectum) into or out of the vagina or rectum, often causing symptoms of heaviness, dragging, or a visible bulge. Physiotherapy offers non-surgical management strategies.
• Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS - Men & Women): Helping to reduce chronic pain in the pelvis, improve muscle function, desensitize painful areas, and enhance your quality of life when dealing with persistent pelvic pain.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

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. Karen Bang can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.

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

• Physiotherapy with Karen Bang can be a transformative turning point for those affected by widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia. The shared goal is achieving feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries, paving the way for you to enjoy running their usual 5k route without knee pain and a more active, vibrant life.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Karen Bang's clinic, common concerns like facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back.
• Patients often come to Karen Bang feeling defeated by loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health and resuming working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Are you finding that trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) stops you from enjoying attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout? Karen Bang is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Karen Bang practices at Bespoke Therapy, situated in the Markham Village, Old Markham Village neighborhood of Markham. The clinic is conveniently located near Markham GO Station and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 Bespoke Therapy's operating hours?

Bespoke Therapy 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 at (416) 939-7787 or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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 Bespoke Therapy 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.

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.

How can I book an appointment at Bespoke Therapy?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 939-7787 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.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require a doctor's referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. We strongly advise you to check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Bespoke Therapy
118 Main Street North
Markham, ON, L3P 1Y1

Phone: (416) 939-7787

Karen Bang 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: XXX92

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=4ece05f4-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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