Arlene Firth – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Arlene Firth is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Arlene Firth is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Arlene Firth's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Arlene Firth serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Arlene Firth completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of British Columbia (Graduating Class of 2017). With clinical experience, Arlene Firth is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Arlene Firth has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Arlene Firth employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Arlene Firth offers consultations in English.

Arlene Firth 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.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.

Sports Injury

• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Acute pain, swelling, bruising, localized tenderness, and weakness in a muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or throwing.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue (periosteum) around the tibia, which requires rest, activity modification, and specific physiotherapy interventions for recovery.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee that often starts gradually and worsens with continued activity, sometimes radiating up the thigh or down the leg.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

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. Arlene Firth can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• 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.

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

• Living with a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) doesn't have to be your norm. Arlene Firth applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Arlene Firth's clinic, common concerns like hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.
• The path to recovery from feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be and achieving improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community for painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache often starts with expert guidance. Arlene Firth, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity and achieved resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort under the skilled care of Arlene Firth. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children with a new lease on life.

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

Arlene Firth practices at McMaster Children's Hospital, situated in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Lime Ridge Mall and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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 advised to check your private insurance for coverage of services at private clinics.

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.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

Bring your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), imaging test results (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs), a medication list, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available. Wear comfortable clothing.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This depends on many factors. After your initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will estimate the number of sessions needed. We will regularly review your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

McMaster Children's Hospital
1200 Main St. West
Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Arlene Firth 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: XXX47

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=ab302826-14c6-ed11-b597-000d3a09c3c0

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