Linda Lo – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Linda Lo is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, ON, Linda Lo is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Linda Lo 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. Linda Lo serves adults.

Linda Lo completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1996). With extensive clinical experience, Linda Lo is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Linda Lo has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Linda Lo empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Linda Lo maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care possible. Linda Lo employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Linda Lo offers consultations in English.

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

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee that often starts gradually and worsens with continued activity, sometimes radiating up the thigh or down the leg.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): A common overuse injury in active individuals and athletes, sometimes referred to as 'runner's knee' or 'anterior knee pain', often related to biomechanical issues in how the kneecap tracks.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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).

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. Linda Lo can assess your needs.

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.

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

• Don't let pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies dictate what you can and cannot do. Linda Lo offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues, helping you reclaim getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts and enjoy a more functional life.
• Many find that recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee significantly impacts their ability to sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort. Linda Lo helps patients target returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke? Linda Lo works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.
• Struggling with the frustration of my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking? Linda Lo develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. This is key to helping you get back to doing playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Linda Lo's practice at St. Michael's Hospital is located in the St. James Town neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Massey Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

What are St. Michael's Hospital's operating hours?

St. Michael's Hospital is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the hospital or check their website 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 doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at St. Michael's Hospital treat?

Physiotherapists at St. Michael's Hospital treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. They also address neurological and cardiorespiratory conditions. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help achieve functional goals.

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 children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant physiotherapy benefits.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy helps you move and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you have an acute injury, chronic pain, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan using exercises, hands-on techniques, and advice to help you achieve your goals and live a more active life.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial part of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals to complement your in-clinic treatment and accelerate your recovery.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first appointment (assessment and treatment plan) usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically 30 to 45 minutes long, depending on your treatment needs.

St. Michael's Hospital
61 Queen St E, 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON, M5C 2T2

Phone: (416) 864-5180

Linda Lo 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: XXX68

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b01d12d4-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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