Sarina Tsai – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Sarina Tsai is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, Sarina Tsai is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sarina Tsai focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Sarina Tsai serves seniors in the Toronto community.

Sarina Tsai completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2011). With clinical experience, Sarina Tsai is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sarina Tsai has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Sarina Tsai promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Sarina Tsai offers consultations in English.

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

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Guidance on hip precautions (if applicable for your surgical approach), a progressive exercise program, and functional retraining after hip surgery to help you achieve your goals.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.

Neurological

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy strategies to help manage common MS symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, spasticity, balance problems, walking difficulties, pain, and bladder dysfunction, aiming to maintain function, improve quality of life, and promote self-management.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Specialized physiotherapy exercises and movement strategies (e.g., LSVT BIG® principles, amplitude-based training, cueing techniques) to improve balance, gait (walking), posture, flexibility, coordination, and overall motor function in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurorehabilitation provided by a Physiotherapist to support functional recovery, improve independence in daily activities, and facilitate community reintegration after a head injury.

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. Sarina Tsai can assess your needs.

• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Convenient access to expert physiotherapy services from the comfort of your home, office, or any location with an internet connection, ideal for those with busy schedules, living in remote areas, or preferring virtual care.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Tailored physiotherapy including gentle exercise prescription (e.g., aquatic therapy, graded aerobic exercise), pain management education, activity pacing strategies, stress reduction techniques, and gentle manual therapies for individuals living with fibromyalgia or other widespread pain conditions.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Multifaceted and individualized physiotherapy approaches including pain science education (understanding your pain), graded exercise therapy, pacing strategies, coping mechanisms, manual therapy (where appropriate), and relaxation techniques to help you manage persistent pain and improve your quality of life.

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

• Living with feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort doesn't have to be your norm. Sarina Tsai applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio), so you can get back to the simple pleasure of playing in their competitive volleyball league again.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Sarina Tsai's clinic, common concerns like recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes.
• Sarina Tsai frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work.
• Many individuals seek help from Sarina Tsai, their physiotherapist, when difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.

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

Sarina Tsai practices at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, situated in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Chinatown and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

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 coverage of services in private clinics.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

What is Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre'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.

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 Health Sciences Centre
2075 Bayview Ave.
Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5

Phone: (416) 480-6100

Sarina Tsai 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: XXX11

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e2a1f3e4-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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