Xuan Zhao – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Ashley Xuan Zhao is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare in Toronto, ON, Ashley Xuan Zhao is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Ashley Xuan Zhao 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. Ashley Xuan Zhao serves seniors.

Ashley Xuan Zhao completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2010). With clinical experience, Ashley Xuan Zhao is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Ashley Xuan Zhao has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Ashley Xuan Zhao demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Ashley Xuan Zhao offers consultations in Cantonese, English, Mandarin.

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

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.

Neurological

• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation for facial nerve disorders to help restore facial expression, improve function (e.g., eating, speaking, eye closure), and enhance overall facial appearance and confidence.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurological rehabilitation provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to help individuals regain independence, maximize their recovery potential, and adapt to any residual impairments following a stroke.

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.

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. Ashley Xuan Zhao can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Specialized physiotherapy programs focused on addressing the unique physical needs of older adults, aiming to improve mobility, strength, balance, flexibility, manage age-related conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia), and reduce the risk of falls.
• 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.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Rehabilitation focused on reversing the effects of deconditioning, combating frailty, and restoring autonomy for seniors, enabling them to live more fully.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Ashley Xuan 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 VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Ashley Xuan Zhao frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Ashley Xuan Zhao's clinic, common concerns like feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like managing their personal care routines independently.
• Patients struggling with numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs can find dedicated and compassionate support from Ashley Xuan Zhao. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids.
• If wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night is preventing you from fully enjoying simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air, Ashley Xuan Zhao offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Many individuals seek help from Ashley Xuan Zhao, their physiotherapist, when an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands.

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

Ashley Xuan Zhao practices at VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare, situated in the Lawrence Manor, Lawrence Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Hospital Row (various hospitals) and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

How can I book an appointment at VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 489-2500 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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 physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

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.

VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare
310-700 Lawrence Avenue West
Toronto, ON, M6A 3B4

Phone: (416) 489-2500

Xuan 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: XXX39

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=338f4591-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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