Susan Chang Fuh – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Susan Chang Fuh is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, ON, Susan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Susan 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. Susan serves seniors within the community and hospital setting.

Susan Chang Fuh completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Alberta (Graduating Class of 1991). With extensive clinical experience, Susan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Susan has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

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

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

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• 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.

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.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Supportive physiotherapy care designed to enhance quality of life, manage the physical challenges of various muscle diseases, and promote independence for as long as possible.

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. Susan can assess your needs.

• 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.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Helping you stay steady on your feet and maintain your independence through targeted balance and coordination exercises, and practical fall prevention education.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.

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

• With Susan's help, managing needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity to achieve feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match.
• Many individuals seek help from Susan, their physiotherapist, when difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain.
• Patients struggling with post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery can find dedicated and compassionate support from Susan. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.
• Many find that difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain significantly impacts their ability to safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace. Susan helps patients target developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Susan practices at St. Michael's Hospital, located in the St. James Town neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Ontario Place and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What is St. Michael's Hospital'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.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at St. Michael's 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, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription, General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

What are St. Michael's Hospital's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners may offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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. It is strongly recommended that you check your private/extended health insurance plan for coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

St. Michael's Hospital
61 Queen St E, 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON, M5C 2T2

Phone: (416) 864-5180

Susan Chang Fuh 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: XXX64

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e68fba48-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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