Lovisa Cheung – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Lovisa Cheung is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at McMaster University-School of Rehabilitation Science in Hamilton, ON, Lovisa Cheung is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Lovisa Cheung's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Lovisa Cheung serves adults.

Lovisa Cheung completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2020). With clinical experience, Lovisa Cheung is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Lovisa Cheung has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Lovisa Cheung demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy; and a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Lovisa Cheung offers consultations in English, Mandarin.

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

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Difficulty maintaining stability during standing, walking, or changing positions, which may be due to various factors including age-related changes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal weakness, sensory impairments, or medication side effects, often leading to an increased risk of falls.

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): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Addressing the physical consequences of nerve damage in the limbs through targeted exercises (e.g., for balance, strength, desensitization), sensory re-education, and advice on appropriate footwear or assistive devices.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.

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. Lovisa Cheung can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): In-home rehabilitation programs tailored to your living space and functional needs, helping you regain independence with daily activities, manage pain, and improve mobility where you live.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Baseline concussion testing (if offered by the clinic/practitioner) and evidence-based post-injury management to ensure a safe and effective recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
• 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.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Effective virtual physiotherapy care to help you manage your condition, progress your rehabilitation, and receive professional advice when in-person visits are challenging or not preferred.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Lovisa Cheung, 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 McMaster University-School of Rehabilitation Science, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Lovisa Cheung frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Physiotherapy with Lovisa Cheung can be a transformative turning point for those affected by feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems. The shared goal is achieving achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach, paving the way for you to enjoy simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and a more active, vibrant life.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older and achieved feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries under the skilled care of Lovisa Cheung. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain with a new lease on life.
• When recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts, physiotherapy with Lovisa Cheung can help you work towards being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Many find that pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard significantly impacts their ability to performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back. Lovisa Cheung helps patients target achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Lovisa Cheung practices at McMaster University-School of Rehabilitation Science, situated in the Westdale, Ainslie Wood (McMaster University area) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Mohawk College (Fennell Campus) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

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, while a referral may not be legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider about their specific requirements before your first appointment.

What is McMaster University-School of Rehabilitation Science's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at McMaster University-School of Rehabilitation Science treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like general physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies, Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact the clinic or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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. It is strongly advised that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

McMaster University-School of Rehabilitation Science
1400 Main Street West, 403/E
Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7

Phone: (905) 525-9140

Lovisa Cheung 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: XXX51

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=fec98980-8b05-eb11-a813-000d3af427b4

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