Degen Ann Southmayd – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Degen Ann Southmayd is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Degen Southmayd is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Degen Southmayd's role involves 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. Degen Southmayd serves infants, children, and adolescents within the Hamilton community.

Degen Ann Southmayd completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2007). With extensive clinical experience, Degen Southmayd is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Degen Southmayd has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Degen Southmayd's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; and a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Degen Southmayd offers consultations in English, French.

Degen Ann Southmayd 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 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.
• 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

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.

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. Degen Southmayd can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• 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: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.

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

• Many find that persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady significantly impacts their ability to participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring. Degen Southmayd helps patients target enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• The path to recovery from hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side and achieving a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple for dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks often starts with expert guidance. Degen Southmayd, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Many individuals seek help from Degen Southmayd, their physiotherapist, when a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.
• Struggling with the frustration of an awkward gait or limping when I walk? Degen Southmayd develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement. This is key to helping you get back to doing being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Degen Southmayd practices at McMaster Children's Hospital, situated in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment, manual therapy, Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES), exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

How can I book an appointment at McMaster Children's Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 521-2100 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

What are McMaster Children's Hospital's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary, so please call our office at (905) 521-2100 for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Degen Ann Southmayd 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: XXX93

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=fa492424-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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