Bernette Elizabeth Kay – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Bernette Elizabeth Kay is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Pediatric Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre in Hamilton, ON, Bernette is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Bernette's role involves providing specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents to address developmental delays, congenital conditions (like torticollis), orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and promote optimal motor function and participation.

Bernette Elizabeth Kay completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1994). With clinical experience, Bernette is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Bernette has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Pediatric Physiotherapy.

Bernette's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Bernette offers consultations in English.

Bernette Elizabeth Kay provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): A bone injury resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation due to repetitive mechanical loading, often seen in runners or athletes who rapidly increase their training.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Damage to muscle tissue that can range from minor micro-tears to more significant partial or complete tears, impacting strength, power, and range of motion.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

Developmental

• Coordination Challenges / Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) - Supportive Physiotherapy: Enhancing motor competence, body awareness, and confidence in children with coordination issues through fun and engaging physiotherapy activities tailored to their specific challenges and goals.

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. Bernette can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Congenital Muscular Torticollis & Plagiocephaly (Flat Head) Treatment: Specialized physiotherapy care to help your baby achieve a centered head position, full neck range of motion, and optimal head shape development.
• Pediatric Physiotherapy (Infants, Children & Adolescents): Play-based therapy and age-appropriate exercises designed by a Pediatric Physiotherapist to help children achieve their optimal physical potential, improve motor skills, coordination, strength, balance, and participation in daily activities, school, and play.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Bernette, 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. Bernette frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain is preventing you from fully enjoying cycling longer distances with their cycling club, Bernette offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• With Bernette's help, managing an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak to achieve understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• The journey to improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction when faced with persistent general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden is made smoother and more effective with Bernette's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations.
• Are you finding that widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia stops you from enjoying standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event? Bernette is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand) through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Bernette practices at Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre, 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). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre'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 (or one business day) 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 (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verifying your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

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.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions in children and adults. 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 pediatric physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques, Manual Therapy, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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. Please bring your insurance card/information and confirm your coverage details with your provider; you are responsible for any portion not covered.

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

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Bernette Elizabeth Kay 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: XXX78

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=0d1a6b4a-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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