Tongyu Shi – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Tiffany Shi is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic in Toronto, ON, Tiffany Shi is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Tiffany Shi addresses 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. Tiffany Shi serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

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

Tiffany Shi maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; Tiffany Shi employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Tiffany Shi offers consultations in Chinese, English, Mandarin.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.

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. Tiffany Shi can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder? Tiffany Shi works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing.
• Don't let general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden dictate what you can and cannot do. Tiffany Shi offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care, helping you reclaim going on birdwatching outings in various terrains and enjoy a more functional life.
• Tired of a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck interfering with attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation? Tiffany Shi uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort and regain your freedom of movement.
• It's truly rewarding for Tiffany Shi to witness patients conquer my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night and experience effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back again.

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

Tiffany Shi practices at The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic, situated in the University of Toronto, Harbord neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near World's Biggest Bookstore Site and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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.

The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic
603-1075 Bay St
Toronto, ON, M5S2B1

Phone: (416) 925-4687

Tongyu Shi 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: XXX79

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a8ba23cd-1fcc-e911-a812-000d3af427b4

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