Denise J. Johnson – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Denise J. Johnson is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Denise Johnson is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Denise Johnson's role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Denise Johnson serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet their unique needs and goals.

Denise J. Johnson completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1991). With extensive clinical experience, Denise Johnson is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Denise Johnson has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy, ensuring that patients receive the most up-to-date and effective care.

Denise Johnson's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Denise Johnson adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. This patient-centered approach actively involves individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Denise Johnson offers consultations in English.

Denise J. Johnson 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): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• 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.

Neurological

• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Personalized exercise programs, hands-on therapy, and functional retraining for post-stroke recovery, addressing issues like hemiparesis, spasticity, or neglect.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with MS stay active, manage symptoms effectively, maintain independence for as long as possible, and adapt to changes in their condition.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises and techniques provided by a Physiotherapist to manage symptoms of facial palsy and support optimal recovery of facial muscle control.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Helping individuals with Parkinson's Disease maintain mobility, functional independence, and safety, and improve their quality of movement and life.

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. Denise Johnson can assess your needs.

• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Specialized therapeutic interventions provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to assist individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, balance, coordination, strength, and independence following a neurological event or diagnosis.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach to help you navigate your recovery after a concussion, promoting symptom resolution and safe resumption of activities.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Denise Johnson, their physiotherapist, when trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Denise Johnson can help you move beyond that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees. The focus is on building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.
• It's truly rewarding for Denise Johnson to witness patients conquer a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck and experience running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises again.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk? Denise Johnson works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio). This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.

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

Denise Johnson's practice is located at McMaster Children's Hospital, situated in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Dundas Valley Conservation Area and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 (Osteoarthritis (Major Joints)), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like general physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury), Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While some discomfort or stretching sensation might be felt, especially initially, it should not be distressing or harmful. Your Physiotherapist will adjust treatments to suit your comfort level.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed varies greatly depending on individual factors. Your Physiotherapist will provide a better estimate after your initial assessment and will adjust the treatment plan as you progress.

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

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Denise J. Johnson 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: XXX78

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9a8aaed8-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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