Shuta Kojima – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Shuta Kojima is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist). Practicing at J.CARE -Japan Sports Medicine & Wellness Clinic- in Toronto, ON, Shaun is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Shaun's focus is 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. Shaun specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Care is tailored to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Shaun serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Shaun completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Niigata University of Health and Welfare (Graduating Class of 2019). With clinical experience, Shaun is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Shaun has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy.

Shaun 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; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Shaun offers consultations in English, Japanese.

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

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.

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. Shaun can assess your needs.

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Shaun, 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 J.CARE -Japan Sports Medicine & Wellness Clinic-, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Shaun frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise? Shaun works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.
• Tired of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain interfering with competing effectively in their curling league games? Shaun uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness and regain your freedom of movement.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Shaun's clinic, common concerns like a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache.
• Living with trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip doesn't have to be your norm. Shaun applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of walking their children to school or the park.

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

Shaun practices at J.CARE -Japan Sports Medicine & Wellness Clinic- in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Nathan Phillips Square and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in certain situations, such as post-hospitalization for specific conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. It is essential to check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Key details to confirm include your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan permits it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not an option, we will provide you with an official receipt you can submit to your insurer.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

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.

J.CARE -Japan Sports Medicine & Wellness Clinic-
1 - 3436 Yonge St
Toronto, ON, M4N 2M9

Phone: (416) 222-8041

Shuta Kojima 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: XXX59

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=02bce2d0-fdad-ef11-8a69-6045bd5e04ef

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