Shirley Chang – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Shirley Chang is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at North York General Hospital in Toronto, ON, Shirley is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Shirley focuses on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Shirley serves adults.

Shirley Chang completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1990). With extensive clinical experience, Shirley Chang is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Shirley Chang has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Shirley's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Shirley adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Shirley Chang offers consultations in English.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.
• 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.

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. Shirley can assess your needs.

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.

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

• With Shirley's help, managing that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away to achieve a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like taking group exercise classes at the community center.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Shirley can help you move beyond my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly). The focus is on enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions), enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking and achieved improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics under the skilled care of Shirley. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing with a new lease on life.
• For those whose general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden has made keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match seem like a distant memory, Shirley's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Shirley practices at North York General Hospital, situated in the Bayview Village neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Distillery District and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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. 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).

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at North York General Hospital 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 (including Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Symptoms), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (like Muscle Strains and Tears), and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy, Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES), manual therapy, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

North York General Hospital
4001 Leslie St.
Toronto, ON, M2K 1E1

Phone: (416) 756-6395

Shirley Chang 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: XXX32

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=8b533cae-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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