Chelsea Hale – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Chelsea Hale is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Hamilton Health Sciences in Hamilton, ON, Chelsea Hale is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Chelsea Hale focuses on 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. Chelsea Hale serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.

Chelsea Hale completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2010). With extensive clinical experience, Chelsea Hale is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Chelsea Hale has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Chelsea Hale's practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Chelsea Hale empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Chelsea Hale offers consultations in English, French.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• 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.

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): An overuse injury where the bone is unable to withstand repetitive mechanical loading, requiring a period of offloading and gradual rehabilitation guided by a physiotherapist for safe return to activity.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): An overuse injury affecting the lower leg, common in athletes, dancers, and military recruits, characterized by diffuse pain along the tibia.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).

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. Chelsea Hale can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• 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 Chelsea Hale, 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 Hamilton Health Sciences, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Chelsea Hale frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain has made getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts seem like a distant memory, Chelsea Hale's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved circulation and tissue healing. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• At Chelsea Hale's physiotherapy practice, individuals with feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort are guided towards being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day.
• When one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back, physiotherapy with Chelsea Hale can help you work towards waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Are you finding that my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) stops you from enjoying setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports? Chelsea Hale is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Chelsea Hale's practice at Hamilton Health Sciences is situated in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near International Village BIA and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider about their specific requirements before your first appointment.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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 Ontarians. 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's essential to check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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.

Hamilton Health Sciences
133-293 Wellington St. North
Hamilton, ON, L8L 8E7

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Chelsea Hale 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: XXX55

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=85f34261-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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