Angelo Karalekas – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Angelo Karalekas is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Interprofessional Spinal Assessment Education Clinics in Hamilton, ON, Angelo Karalekas is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Angelo Karalekas's approach focuses on 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. Angelo Karalekas serves adults within the Hamilton community.

Angelo Karalekas completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Alberta (Graduating Class of 1997). With extensive clinical experience, Angelo Karalekas is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Angelo Karalekas has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Angelo Karalekas's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Angelo Karalekas offers consultations in English, Greek.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• 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.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

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. Angelo Karalekas can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Angelo Karalekas, 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 Interprofessional Spinal Assessment Education Clinics, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Angelo Karalekas frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Angelo Karalekas's help, managing clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk to achieve restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• Struggling with the frustration of hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side? Angelo Karalekas develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery. This is key to helping you get back to doing playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• For those whose awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) has made performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease seem like a distant memory, Angelo Karalekas's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions). Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Rediscover your ability to engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands without the constant burden of facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy). Angelo Karalekas focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Angelo Karalekas practices at Interprofessional Spinal Assessment Education Clinics, situated in the Central Hamilton, Strathcona neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near the James Street North Art District and is accessible via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to book an appointment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It's essential to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific coverage requirements.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. OHIP may cover physiotherapy 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. To determine your eligibility for publicly funded physiotherapy, contact OHIP directly. Most people will need to rely on private insurance for coverage of physiotherapy services in private clinics. Check your private insurance plan for details on coverage.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

What is Interprofessional Spinal Assessment Education Clinics's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Interprofessional Spinal Assessment Education Clinics
123 James St. north
Hamilton, ON, L8R 2K8

Phone: (905) 667-4848

Angelo Karalekas 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: XXX11

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c96b7d8d-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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