Danijela Les – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Danijela Les is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Saint Elizabeth Health Care in Hamilton, ON, Danijela is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Danijela'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. Danijela serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Danijela Les completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ljubljana (primary university in Slovenia) (Graduating Class of 1988). With extensive clinical experience, Danijela Les is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Danijela Les has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Danijela's practice philosophy centers around a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Danijela employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Danijela Les offers consultations in Croatian, English, Serbian, Slovenian.

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

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.
• 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.

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. Danijela can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.

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

• Tired of pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies interfering with resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely? Danijela uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health and regain your freedom of movement.
• It's truly rewarding for Danijela to witness patients conquer numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs and experience improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions again.
• Physiotherapy with Danijela can be a transformative turning point for those affected by frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders. The shared goal is achieving a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple, paving the way for you to enjoy playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids and a more active, vibrant life.
• Rediscover your ability to walking their children to school or the park without the constant burden of difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy. Danijela focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Danijela practices at Saint Elizabeth Health Care, situated in the Hamilton Mountain East (Rosedale, Red Hill) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Hamilton General Hospital and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Does Saint Elizabeth Health Care offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Saint Elizabeth Health Care offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. 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.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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 a private clinic.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

What is Saint Elizabeth Health Care'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 who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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.

Saint Elizabeth Health Care
1525 Stone Church Road East
Hamilton, ON, L8W 3P8

Danijela Les 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: XXX77

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=af65a2f6-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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