Sandra Jacqueline Tung – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Sandra Jacqueline Tung is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, ON, Sandy is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sandy'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. Sandy serves infants, children, and adolescents within this specialized area.

Sandra Jacqueline Tung completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Cape Town (Graduating Class of 1990). With extensive clinical experience, Sandy is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sandy has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Sandy's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Sandy adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Sandy offers consultations in English.

Sandra Jacqueline Tung provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy management of acute and persistent symptoms of a concussion, including addressing associated neck pain/dysfunction (cervicogenic component), vestibular (balance/dizziness) issues, oculomotor (eye movement) problems, and exertional intolerance.

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo that is highly treatable with specific physiotherapy maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver, designed to reposition the displaced inner ear crystals.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.

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. Sandy can assess your needs.

• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Comprehensive physiotherapy programs designed to maximize quality of life and functional abilities for individuals with conditions like stroke (CVA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, traumatic or acquired brain injury (TBI/ABI), or incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Customized exercise-based programs (e.g., gaze stabilization, habituation, balance retraining exercises) prescribed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist to reduce vestibular symptoms, improve functional balance, decrease fall risk, and enhance confidence in movement.
• 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: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• 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.

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

• Don't let one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain dictate what you can and cannot do. Sandy offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being, helping you reclaim managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain and enjoy a more functional life.
• Patients struggling with wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night can find dedicated and compassionate support from Sandy. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.
• Tired of awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) interfering with painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache? Sandy uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain and regain your freedom of movement.
• For those whose widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia has made enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness seem like a distant memory, Sandy's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Sandy practices at the Hospital for Sick Children, located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Toronto City Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 a physician's referral for coverage of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics for most Ontarians. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs, such as post-hospitalization care for certain conditions, services for children/youth or seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. It's essential to check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics. Always verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Hospital for Sick Children treat?

Physiotherapists at the Hospital for Sick Children treat a wide range of conditions affecting children and adolescents. This includes musculoskeletal issues like neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain; neurological conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries; and vestibular disorders impacting balance and coordination. They also address conditions affecting movement and function after surgery or injury. Treatment approaches often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education tailored to the individual's needs and developmental stage.

Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Ave.
Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-6755

Sandra Jacqueline Tung 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: XXX73

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c9770031-9002-e811-813f-480fcff40721

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