ShanShan Gu – Physiotherapist | Markham, ON

ShanShan Gu is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Markham Stouffville Hospital in Markham, ON, Shan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Shan's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Shan serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Shan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2016). With extensive clinical experience, Shan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Shan has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Shan's practice philosophy centers around a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Shan employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; and promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Markham community through proactive physiotherapy. Shan offers consultations in English, Mandarin.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

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. Shan can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease and achieved successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery under the skilled care of Shan. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations with a new lease on life.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Shan can help you move beyond that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit. The focus is on feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events.
• At Shan's physiotherapy practice, individuals with feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move are guided towards successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again.
• Tired of that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity interfering with being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children? Shan uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Shan practices at Markham Stouffville Hospital, situated in the Markham Village, Old Markham Village neighborhood of Markham. The clinic is conveniently located near Angus Glen Golf Club and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

Is there parking available at or near Markham Stouffville Hospital?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available on-site. Look for the designated patient spots.

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.

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

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

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 might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness. Your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately.

Markham Stouffville Hospital
381 Church St., PO Box 1800
Markham, ON, L3P 7P3

Phone: (905) 472-7373

ShanShan Gu 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: XXX74

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=57ad2712-9502-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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