Tianzi Zhao – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Tianzi Zhao is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Humber River Hospital in Toronto, ON, Tianzi Zhao is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Tianzi Zhao'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. Tianzi Zhao serves seniors and other members of the Toronto community.

Tianzi Zhao completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2021). With clinical experience, Tianzi Zhao is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Tianzi Zhao has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Tianzi Zhao's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Tianzi Zhao employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Tianzi Zhao utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Tianzi Zhao offers consultations in English, French, Mandarin.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.

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).

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

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. Tianzi Zhao can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• 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.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• 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.

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

• Patients struggling with swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment can find dedicated and compassionate support from Tianzi Zhao. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip and achieved experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life under the skilled care of Tianzi Zhao. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture with a new lease on life.
• Many find that experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy significantly impacts their ability to being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms. Tianzi Zhao helps patients target a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Are you finding that difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain stops you from enjoying working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain? Tianzi Zhao is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Tianzi Zhao practices at Humber River Hospital, situated in the Downsview Central neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Financial District and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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 Humber River Hospital or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

How can I book an appointment at Humber River Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling Humber River Hospital directly at (416) 242-1000 during business hours. Their reception team can assist you in finding a suitable appointment time.

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) but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

Humber River Hospital
1235 Wilson Ave.
Toronto, ON, M3M 0B2

Phone: (416) 242-1000

Tianzi Zhao 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: XXX72

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b7a77f6c-763b-ec11-8c62-000d3a09ebcb

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