Sophie Zhang – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Sophie Zhang is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, Sophie Zhang is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sophie Zhang's practice 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. Sophie Zhang also manages acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. This involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Sophie Zhang serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Sophie Zhang completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2020). With extensive clinical experience, Sophie Zhang is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sophie Zhang has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Sophie Zhang employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Sophie Zhang empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Sophie Zhang has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Sophie Zhang offers consultations in English, Mandarin.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).

Long Covid

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Symptom Management: A structured and individualized physiotherapy approach to address the diverse and often fluctuating symptoms of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome, aiming to improve exercise tolerance gradually, manage fatigue effectively, and support a return to meaningful activities and work.

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. Sophie Zhang can assess your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• 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.
• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy support to help individuals with Post-COVID-19 Condition improve their physical function, manage debilitating symptoms, and enhance their quality of life through a personalized and cautious approach.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Sophie Zhang, 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. Sophie Zhang frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move and achieved the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort under the skilled care of Sophie Zhang. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as managing their personal care routines independently with a new lease on life.
• Patients struggling with my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night can find dedicated and compassionate support from Sophie Zhang. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain.
• Are you finding that numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs stops you from enjoying participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf? Sophie Zhang is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Don't let managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease dictate what you can and cannot do. Sophie Zhang offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, helping you reclaim challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Sophie Zhang practices at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, situated in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Toronto Eaton Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

Does Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre does not offer direct billing, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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 (direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check your insurance policy's 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 in private outpatient clinics. 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. Check your private insurance coverage for services in private clinics.

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

Phone: (416) 480-6100

Sophie Zhang 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: XXX86

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=931c9e97-7f1f-eb11-a813-000d3af42c56

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