Dafna Ester Bener – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Dafna Ester Bener is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University in Hamilton, ON, Dafna Bener is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Dafna Bener's focus is 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. Dafna Bener serves adults.

Dafna Ester Bener completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Istanbul University (Graduating Class of 1993). With extensive clinical experience, Dafna Bener is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Dafna Bener has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Dafna Bener employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Dafna Bener utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Dafna Bener has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Dafna Bener offers consultations in English, Hebrew, and Turkish.

Dafna Ester Bener provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• 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. Dafna Bener can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.

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

• At Dafna Bener's physiotherapy practice, individuals with feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move are guided towards a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady and achieved improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community under the skilled care of Dafna Bener. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as managing their personal care routines independently with a new lease on life.
• With Dafna Bener's help, managing that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees to achieve returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like using garden tools effectively and without pain.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Dafna Bener's clinic, common concerns like recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches.

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

Dafna Bener practices at Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University, situated in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Eastgate Square and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

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.

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.

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 is Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University'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 for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University
1200 Main St. W.
Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Dafna Ester Bener 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: XXX50

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=48042c1e-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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