Annamaria Tancredi – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Annamaria Tancredi is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre in Hamilton, ON, Annamaria Tancredi is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Annamaria Tancredi focuses on assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Annamaria Tancredi serves infants, children, and adolescents within the Hamilton community.

Annamaria Tancredi completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Mohawk College (Graduating Class of 1976). With extensive clinical experience, Annamaria Tancredi is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Annamaria Tancredi has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Annamaria Tancredi's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy. Annamaria Tancredi adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Annamaria Tancredi empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Annamaria Tancredi offers consultations in English and Italian.

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

Neurological

• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Gentle exercises, stretching programs, and strategies to preserve strength and function, and to manage secondary complications associated with muscular dystrophies.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: May include specific facial exercises, neuromuscular re-education (PNF for the face), biofeedback, electrical stimulation (if appropriate), massage, and strategies to improve facial movement, symmetry, reduce synkinesis (unwanted movements), and manage eye care.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.

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. Annamaria Tancredi can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for concussion recovery, including initial assessment of symptoms (headache, dizziness, etc.), management of associated neck pain or dysfunction, vestibular and oculomotor (eye movement) rehabilitation, and guided, gradual return-to-learn, work, and sport protocols.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Annamaria Tancredi, 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 Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Annamaria Tancredi frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Are you finding that needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity stops you from enjoying actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back? Annamaria Tancredi is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• At Annamaria Tancredi's physiotherapy practice, individuals with shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult are guided towards a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady and achieved increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings under the skilled care of Annamaria Tancredi. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease with a new lease on life.
• Tired of hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side interfering with reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches? Annamaria Tancredi uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Annamaria Tancredi practices at Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre, located in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near the Hamilton Public Library Central Branch and is accessible via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

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. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance for coverage of private clinic physiotherapy.

Does Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment and always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics (annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing). If Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre offered direct billing (which it currently does not), and your plan allows it, we could bill your insurer directly. You would be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance. If direct billing isn't possible, we will provide an official receipt for submission to your insurer.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions varies greatly depending on the nature and severity of your condition, its duration, your goals, your body's response to therapy, and your adherence to home exercises. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment plan after your initial assessment and continually re-evaluate your progress.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first appointment involves an in-depth assessment. You'll discuss your issue, history, and health background. Your therapist will perform physical tests to assess your movement and strength. The goal is to understand your condition fully to develop a tailored treatment plan. You might receive initial home exercises or hands-on care.

Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre
237 Barton St. East
Hamilton, ON, L8L 2X2

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Annamaria Tancredi 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: XXX31

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=18a46621-8902-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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