Mai Nha Nha Ly – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Mai Nha Nha Ly is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Adelaide West Physiotherapy Clinic in Toronto, ON, Mai is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Mai addresses 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. Mai serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Mai Nha Nha Ly completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2002). With extensive clinical experience, Mai is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Mai has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Mai empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Mai maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Mai Nha Nha Ly offers consultations in English.

Mai Nha Nha Ly 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): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.

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. Mai can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.

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

• The path to recovery from feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older and achieving enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain for participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring often starts with expert guidance. Mai, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• When difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun, physiotherapy with Mai can help you work towards implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• If trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain is preventing you from fully enjoying resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely, Mai offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• With Mai's help, managing my child walking on their toes most of the time to achieve noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house.

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

Mai practices at Adelaide West Physiotherapy Clinic, located in the vibrant King and Spadina, Railway Lands, Harbourfront West neighborhood of Toronto, near the iconic CN Tower and Toronto Eaton Centre. The clinic boasts convenient access via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist; this is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required for an appointment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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, such as 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. Check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Always verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Adelaide West Physiotherapy Clinic treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. We also have therapists with specialized skills in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified), Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

Adelaide West Physiotherapy Clinic
366 Adelaide Street West, Suite 403
Toronto, ON, M5V 1R9

Phone: (416) 597-8345

Mai Nha Nha Ly 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: XXX80

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d96e4d3b-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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