Dhanapriya Alagarsamy – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Dhanapriya Alagarsamy is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Ridgeview Long Term Care Centre in Hamilton, ON, Priya is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Priya 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. Priya serves seniors in the Hamilton community.

Priya completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (Graduating Class of 2009). With clinical experience, Priya is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Priya has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Priya's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy; Priya adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Priya offers consultations in English, Tamil.

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

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.

Neurological

• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Physiotherapy aimed at maintaining optimal function, managing contractures (joint stiffness), optimizing mobility (including prescription of mobility aids), adapting activities, and managing respiratory function (if applicable) for individuals with progressive muscle weakness due to muscular dystrophy or other myopathies.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Tailored rehabilitation programs focusing on restoring physical abilities, managing secondary complications, and improving quality of life for individuals post-TBI or ABI.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy for weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, often affecting one side of the face (e.g., Bell's Palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, post-surgical facial nerve injury).
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: A movement-based therapy approach, often guided by principles of motor learning and de-emphasis on presumed damage, to help individuals with FND regain voluntary control over their physical symptoms and improve confidence in their movements.

Geriatric

• 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.
• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: A decline in physical function, muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), and endurance commonly associated with aging or inactivity, sometimes leading to frailty, increased fall risk, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks independently.

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. Priya can assess your needs.

• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Comprehensive support for improving performance in activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, bathing, transferring, cooking) and rebuilding physical confidence and independence in older adults.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Helping older adults stay active, mobile, independent, and confident in their physical abilities through compassionate and evidence-based physiotherapy.

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

• For those whose general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden has made safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace seem like a distant memory, Priya's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Patients struggling with my child walking on their toes most of the time can find dedicated and compassionate support from Priya. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back.
• Priya believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip is hindering your ability to playing in their competitive volleyball league again, a personalized plan focusing on a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities can make all the difference.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Priya's clinic, common concerns like trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain 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 swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.

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

Priya practices at Ridgeview Long Term Care Centre, situated in the Stoney Creek Mountain neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near FirstOntario Centre and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

Is there parking available at or near Ridgeview Long Term Care Centre?

Ample free patient parking is available directly in front of and beside Ridgeview Long Term Care Centre. Look for the designated patient spots. Please check signage for any time restrictions.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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 Ridgeview Long Term Care Centre or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm their specific requirements.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in certain situations (e.g., post-hospitalization, for specific groups), but eligibility criteria are strict. Check your private insurance plan for coverage, as many private insurance plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy.

Does Ridgeview Long Term Care Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details with your insurance provider before your appointment.

Ridgeview Long Term Care Centre
385 Highland Rd West, Stoney Creek
Hamilton, ON, L8J 3X9

Phone: (905) 561-3332

Dhanapriya Alagarsamy 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: XXX70

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=1976195f-df70-e811-8156-480fcff40721

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