Amy Connell

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

Joint Pain

• 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).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.

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. Amy can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.

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

• If recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement is preventing you from fully enjoying doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain, Amy offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Many find that feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort significantly impacts their ability to standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event. Amy helps patients target improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Are you finding that an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak stops you from enjoying pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty? Amy is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• At Amy's physiotherapy practice, individuals with an awkward gait or limping when I walk are guided towards restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain.

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

Amy practices at Hamilton Health Sciences Juravinski Hospital, situated in the Hamilton Mountain Central (Inch Park, Eastmount) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific coverage requirements.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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 Ontarians. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as 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. It's essential to check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Hamilton Health Sciences Juravinski Hospital treat?

Physiotherapists at Hamilton Health Sciences Juravinski Hospital 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 Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, Stretching & Flexibility Programs, General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Is there parking available at or near Hamilton Health Sciences Juravinski Hospital?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available on-site at Hamilton Health Sciences Juravinski Hospital. Please look for the designated patient parking spots. However, always check posted signage for any time limits or restrictions.

Hamilton Health Sciences Juravinski Hospital
711 Concession St.
Hamilton, ON, L8V 1C3

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Amy Connell 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: XXX23

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=36ce2df8-040b-eb11-a813-000d3af42c56

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