Charmaine Ann Marie Neu – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Charmaine Ann Marie Neu is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Charmaine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Charmaine's focus is 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. Charmaine serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Charmaine Ann Marie Neu completed their degree in Physiotherapy from The School of Physical Therapy, University Hospital of the West Indies (Graduating Class of 1987). With extensive clinical experience, Charmaine is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Charmaine has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Charmaine's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Charmaine offers consultations in English.

Charmaine Ann Marie Neu provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

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. Charmaine can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.

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

• Living with that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away doesn't have to be your norm. Charmaine applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of taking group exercise classes at the community center.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Charmaine can help you move beyond working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery. The focus is on improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Charmaine's clinic, common concerns like feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like going on birdwatching outings in various terrains.
• Tired of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk interfering with giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture? Charmaine uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Charmaine practices at McMaster Children's Hospital, situated in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Westmount Recreation Centre 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, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral 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.

Is there parking available at or near McMaster Children's Hospital?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to McMaster Children's Hospital. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at McMaster Children's Hospital treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. We also utilize Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) and Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES) and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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.

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 insurer before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. We can often bill your insurer directly if your plan allows direct billing; otherwise, we will provide a receipt for you to submit.

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

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Charmaine Ann Marie Neu 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: XXX58

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=4f9d8845-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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