Dr. Agnes Eve Chmiel – Pain Management Specialist / Physical Therapist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Agnes Eve Chmiel is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Dr. Chmiel is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Chmiel is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the medical profession in ON. As a certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (also known as a Physiatrist), Dr. Chmiel focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The goal is to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. Dr. Chmiel serves patients of all ages, from children and adolescents through to adults and seniors, requiring functional restoration.

Dr. Agnes Eve Chmiel earned a Medical Degree in 2002. Subsequently, Dr. Chmiel completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Chmiel brings valuable clinical experience to her practice. Dr. Chmiel's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Chmiel is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. Chmiel's medical practice philosophy include: promoting optimal quality of life and helping patients adapt to and overcome physical challenges; a holistic perspective, considering the physical, emotional, and social aspects of disability and recovery. Dr. Chmiel is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Polish.

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Agnes Eve Chmiel addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Specialized care to optimize recovery and prevent re-injury in athletes of all levels.
• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Addressing the underlying biomechanical factors contributing to overuse injuries and implementing strategies for recovery and prevention.

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Rehabilitation programs to address generalized weakness, fatigue, and loss of function following prolonged illness, hospitalization, or inactivity.
• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Comprehensive care for individuals with limb loss, including pre-prosthetic management, prosthetic prescription, gait training, and adjustment to life with a prosthesis.

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Helping patients regain mobility, strength, and independence after major surgical interventions.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Helping patients manage the symptoms of various arthritic conditions affecting mobility and quality of life.
• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Addressing soft tissue inflammation around joints to relieve pain and restore normal movement.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Chmiel, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Working collaboratively with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated care.
• Management of Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson's): Optimizing function and quality of life for patients with progressive or chronic neurological conditions through tailored therapies and adaptive strategies.
• Management of Back & Neck Pain: Non-surgical treatment for acute and chronic spinal pain, including disc herniations, spinal stenosis, and degenerative conditions.
• Therapeutic Injections (Joints, Soft Tissues, Nerves): Targeted injections to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve function in various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with TBI improve cognitive function, physical abilities, and psychosocial adjustment.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Chmiel. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Agnes Eve Chmiel adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At The Ottawa Hospital, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Chmiel frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If the ongoing pain and fatigue from fibromyalgia impacting every part of their life is preventing you from fully enjoying their child being able to participate more fully in school activities or causing discomfort, Dr. Chmiel offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their child making significant progress in their physical development through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• When wanting to explore options for pain relief beyond just medication starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to keeping up with friends or family during outings, Dr. Chmiel and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their sports injury healing properly, allowing a safe return to play and a return to comfort and confidence.
• For those affected by needing to learn how to use a prosthetic limb effectively, Dr. Chmiel provides solutions that lead to restoration of more normal sensation in areas affected by neuropathy. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to communicating their needs clearly if they have speech difficulties.
• If their knee pain stopping them from climbing stairs or kneeling has unfortunately put taking care of their personal hygiene needs with dignity on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Chmiel works closely with patients towards attaining their rehabilitation plan leading to tangible improvements in their daily function, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Chmiel, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Chmiel is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Chmiel's practice, The Ottawa Hospital, is situated in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Jackson Square and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Chmiel treats?

Dr. Chmiel treats a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Examples include the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), various sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. Dr. Chmiel's focus is always on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing the overall quality of life for her patients.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Chmiel?

In Ontario, a referral from your family doctor (GP) or another specialist is usually required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Chmiel for consultations and treatments covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Chmiel has the necessary medical history. If you think you need a physiatric assessment, please speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Chmiel at The Ottawa Hospital?

Your first appointment with Dr. Chmiel will involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, your current symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Chmiel will perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the relevant systems (musculoskeletal and/or neurological). Any prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Chmiel will discuss her diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and will outline treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Chmiel do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Chmiel is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. The primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities from injury or illness. Treatment approaches are non-surgical and may include medication, therapeutic exercises, targeted injections (when appropriate), and coordination of comprehensive rehabilitation plans with other therapists.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Chmiel covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Chmiel are covered by OHIP in Ontario, provided you have a valid health card and an appropriate referral (if required). However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain injections, assistive devices, comprehensive programs) may not be fully covered or may have additional fees. Inquire with The Ottawa Hospital about potential out-of-pocket costs and check your private insurance for coverage of adjunctive therapies or devices.

The Ottawa Hospital
Unit Room W1210, 300 Wellington Street North, Room W1210
Hamilton, ON, L8L 0A4

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Dr. Agnes Eve Chmiel is a licensed Physiatrist in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 77768

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chmiel-Agnes-Eve/0191295-77768

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Chmiel. Dr. Chmiel and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.