Rachel Kai-Yee Wong – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Rachel Kai-Yee Wong is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at University Health Network, TWH in Toronto, ON, Rachel Wong is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Rachel Wong specializes 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. Rachel Wong serves adults.

Rachel Kai-Yee Wong completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2012). With clinical experience, Rachel Wong is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Rachel Wong has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

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

Rachel Kai-Yee Wong provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Alleviating symptoms and improving function for individuals with entrapped nerves through conservative physiotherapy management, helping to avoid more invasive interventions.
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Improving safety, function, and quality of life for those with impaired sensation or strength due to various types of peripheral neuropathy.

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. Rachel Wong can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy to address persistent concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, and difficulty concentrating or tolerating activity.

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

• Are you finding that recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) stops you from enjoying going on birdwatching outings in various terrains? Rachel Wong is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• When awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids, physiotherapy with Rachel Wong can help you work towards understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• For those whose aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk has made carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably seem like a distant memory, Rachel Wong's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• It's truly rewarding for Rachel Wong to witness patients conquer working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery and experience improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court again.

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

Rachel Wong practices at University Health Network, TWH, located in the Kensington Market, Chinatown, Grange Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Lawrence Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). 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.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

How can I book an appointment at University Health Network, TWH?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 603-5092 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.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at University Health Network, TWH 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 Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription, Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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.

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.

University Health Network, TWH
399 Bathurst St
Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8

Phone: (416) 603-5092

Rachel Kai-Yee Wong 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: XXX34

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e7c29538-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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