Sylvia Shiu-Ming Chan – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Sylvia Shiu-Ming Chan is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at University Health Network in Toronto, ON, Sylvia is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sylvia's expertise lies in assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Sylvia serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, tailoring treatment plans to meet each individual's unique needs and goals.

Sylvia Shiu-Ming Chan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of British Columbia (Graduating Class of 2002). With extensive clinical experience, Sylvia is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sylvia has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy, ensuring that her patients receive the most up-to-date and effective care.

Sylvia's practice philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Sylvia employs a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Sylvia fosters a supportive and empowering environment where patients feel heard, understood, and actively participate in their recovery journey. Sylvia Shiu-Ming Chan offers consultations in Chinese, English.

Sylvia Shiu-Ming Chan provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Management of symptoms such as pain (neuropathic pain), numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness, typically in the hands or feet, resulting from damage to peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.

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. Sylvia can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): In-home rehabilitation programs tailored to your living space and functional needs, helping you regain independence with daily activities, manage pain, and improve mobility where you live.
• 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.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Effective virtual physiotherapy care to help you manage your condition, progress your rehabilitation, and receive professional advice when in-person visits are challenging or not preferred.

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

• Are you finding that trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury stops you from enjoying giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture? Sylvia is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• At Sylvia's physiotherapy practice, individuals with feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be are guided towards increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as running their usual 5k route without knee pain.
• When swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing taking group exercise classes at the community center, physiotherapy with Sylvia can help you work towards a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Rediscover your ability to simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air without the constant burden of recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim). Sylvia focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Sylvia practices at University Health Network, situated in the vibrant Kensington Market, Chinatown, Grange Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near the World's Biggest Bookstore Site and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). 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 insurance for coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Does University Health Network offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, 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.

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 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.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact the clinic or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

What are University Health Network's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. 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.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at University Health Network 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 general physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding), Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Is there parking available at or near University Health Network?

Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby. Check local signage for restrictions.

University Health Network
399 Bathurst St., Toronto Western Hospital
Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8

Phone: (416) 603-5801

Sylvia Shiu-Ming Chan 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: XXX97

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b78c5d41-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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