Bryan J. DiFrancesco – Physiotherapist | Stoney Creek, ON

Bryan J. DiFrancesco is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Active Body Clinic in Stoney Creek, ON, Bryan DiFrancesco is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Bryan DiFrancesco addresses 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. Bryan DiFrancesco serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Bryan J. DiFrancesco completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2000). With extensive clinical experience, Bryan DiFrancesco is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Bryan DiFrancesco has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Bryan DiFrancesco maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Bryan DiFrancesco employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Bryan DiFrancesco offers consultations in English.

Bryan J. DiFrancesco provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.
• 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.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.

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. Bryan DiFrancesco can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Bryan DiFrancesco, 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 Active Body Clinic, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Bryan DiFrancesco frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Bryan DiFrancesco can help you move beyond trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip. The focus is on a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain.
• Are you finding that post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery stops you from enjoying actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back? Bryan DiFrancesco is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Physiotherapy with Bryan DiFrancesco can be a transformative turning point for those affected by dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women). The shared goal is achieving a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties, paving the way for you to enjoy performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease and a more active, vibrant life.
• Rediscover your ability to getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing without the constant burden of a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns). Bryan DiFrancesco focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Bryan DiFrancesco practices at Active Body Clinic, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Stoney Creek neighborhood of Stoney Creek. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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 services at private clinics.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

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 are Active Body Clinic's operating hours?

Active Body Clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary, so please call our office at (905) 667-1222 or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

How can I book an appointment at Active Body Clinic?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 667-1222 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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.

Active Body Clinic
58 King St. West
Stoney Creek, ON, L8G 1H7

Phone: (905) 667-1222

Bryan J. DiFrancesco 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=8dd6bfe0-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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