Pollinna S.Y. Fong – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Pollinna S.Y. Fong is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Sunnybrook- St. John's Rehab in Toronto, ON, Pollinna Fong is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Pollinna Fong's expertise lies in 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. Pollinna Fong serves a diverse clientele, with a particular focus on providing specialized care for seniors navigating the challenges of neurological rehabilitation.

Pollinna S.Y. Fong completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Texas (Graduating Class of 1980). With extensive clinical experience, Pollinna Fong is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Pollinna Fong has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy, ensuring Pollinna Fong remains at the forefront of advancements in this specialized field.

Pollinna Fong's practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Pollinna Fong employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Pollinna Fong maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Pollinna Fong offers consultations in Cantonese, Chinese, English, and Mandarin.

Pollinna S.Y. Fong provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Neurological

• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Helping individuals with Parkinson's Disease maintain mobility, functional independence, and safety, and improve their quality of movement and life.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Utilizing evidence-based neuroplasticity principles, motor relearning techniques, and task-specific training to help stroke survivors improve movement and achieve their functional goals.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

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. Pollinna Fong can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Providing professional physiotherapy assessment, treatment, education, and exercise prescription directly in the comfort and convenience of your home environment, especially for those who have difficulty attending an outpatient clinic due to mobility issues, severe pain, or other constraints.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.

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

• When pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms, physiotherapy with Pollinna Fong can help you work towards experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Pollinna Fong's clinic, common concerns like trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts.
• With Pollinna Fong's help, managing that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit to achieve the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.
• Don't let dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash dictate what you can and cannot do. Pollinna Fong offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey, helping you reclaim working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Pollinna Fong practices at Sunnybrook- St. John's Rehab, situated in the Newtonbrook, Willowdale neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Meridian Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

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

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

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

Ample free patient parking is available directly in front of and beside the building. Look for the designated patient spots.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Sunnybrook- St. John's Rehab
285 Cummer Ave.
Toronto, ON, M2M2G1

Phone: (416) 226-6780

Pollinna S.Y. Fong 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: XXX09

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e8ff2f5a-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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