Christopher Hocking – Physiotherapist | Elliot Lake, ON

Christopher Hocking is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at St. Joseph's Hospital in Elliot Lake, ON, Chris Hocking is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Chris Hocking focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Chris Hocking serves seniors within the community.

Christopher Hocking completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2013). With clinical experience, Chris Hocking is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Chris Hocking has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

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

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.

Geriatric

• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Physiotherapy programs designed to address physical decline in older adults, focusing on rebuilding strength (resistance exercise), improving endurance (aerobic exercise), enhancing balance, and maintaining or improving functional independence.
• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Difficulty with walking (e.g., slow gait, shuffling, unsteadiness), transferring (e.g., getting in/out of a chair or bed), using stairs, or performing other daily mobility tasks due to age-related changes, chronic health conditions, deconditioning, or fear of falling.

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. Chris Hocking can assess your needs.

• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Effective virtual physiotherapy care to help you manage your condition, progress your rehabilitation, and receive professional advice when in-person visits are challenging or not preferred.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• 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.

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

• The journey to feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day when faced with persistent persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady is made smoother and more effective with Chris Hocking's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.
• It's truly rewarding for Chris Hocking to witness patients conquer experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy and experience improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches again.
• When my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back, physiotherapy with Chris Hocking can help you work towards successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Living with post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery doesn't have to be your norm. Chris Hocking applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events.

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

Chris Hocking's practice is located at St. Joseph's Hospital, in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Elliot Lake neighborhood of Elliot Lake. 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.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as "direct access." However, while a referral isn't legally required to book an appointment, some extended health insurance plans may require a physician's referral for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements for physiotherapy coverage.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at St. Joseph's Hospital treat?

Physiotherapists at St. Joseph's Hospital treat a wide range of conditions, particularly focusing on geriatric physiotherapy and seniors' health needs. This includes musculoskeletal issues such as back and neck pain, arthritis, post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g., after shoulder, knee, or spinal surgery), and sports injuries. We also address neurological conditions and provide support for individuals experiencing mobility issues, balance problems, and age-related deconditioning. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, exercise prescription, and patient education tailored to individual needs. We also offer tele-rehabilitation services for convenient virtual care.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact St. Joseph's Hospital or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Does St. Joseph's Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact St. Joseph's Hospital directly to inquire about their direct billing policies with private insurance companies. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment to facilitate the process. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). OHIP may cover physiotherapy in specific situations, such as after a hospital stay for certain conditions, or through specific community programs. Eligibility criteria are strict, and there may be waitlists. It's essential to check your private or extended health insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage in private clinics.

St. Joseph's Hospital
70 Spine Rd.
Elliot Lake, ON, P5A 1X2

Phone: (705) 848-7181

Christopher Hocking 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: XXX56

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=71ec24a4-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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