Dr. Benjamin Brian Clark

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Benjamin Brian Clark addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Rehabilitation programs to address generalized weakness, fatigue, and loss of function following prolonged illness, hospitalization, or inactivity.
• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Helping amputees achieve optimal function, comfort, and independence with their prosthetic devices.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Managing conditions caused by repetitive stress and overuse, such as tendinopathies, shin splints, or stress reactions.
• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Specialized care to optimize recovery and prevent re-injury in athletes of all levels.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of CRPS (formerly RSD), a chronic pain condition typically affecting an arm or leg after an injury or trauma.
• Chronic Widespread Pain: Addressing persistent pain that affects multiple body regions, often associated with conditions like fibromyalgia or central sensitization.

Neurological Conditions

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Management & Rehabilitation: Maximizing functional independence and quality of life for patients with paraplegia or quadriplegia.
• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation strategies to improve mobility, balance, gait, and performance of daily activities for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Symptom Management & Functional Rehab: Helping manage symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, weakness, and balance problems in individuals with MS to maintain function and independence.
• Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident - CVA) Rehabilitation: Post-stroke care focusing on maximizing recovery of motor function, speech, cognition, and independence in daily activities.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Clark, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Management of Back & Neck Pain: Comprehensive care for spinal disorders, focusing on pain relief, functional restoration, and prevention of recurrence.
• Management of Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson's): Managing symptoms and functional limitations associated with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, and muscular dystrophies.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Utilizing diagnostic ultrasound imaging for real-time assessment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Specialized therapies to address physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges following a stroke.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with TBI improve cognitive function, physical abilities, and psychosocial adjustment.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Clark. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Benjamin Brian Clark adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Dr. Benjamin Brian Clark's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Clark frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of their persistent low back pain making it hard to sit or stand for long, Dr. Clark offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach learning techniques to prevent re-injury or a worsening of their condition. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of focusing on their studies or work without constant pain distraction.
• When their knee pain stopping them from climbing stairs or kneeling begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Clark helps patients strive for feeling more confident in their physical abilities. This makes participating in activities such as performing tasks that require fine motor coordination a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Understanding the frustration wanting to improve their walking pattern and reduce limping can cause, Dr. Clark tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their functional goals being met through a tailored rehabilitation program, allowing for renewed participation in activities like feeling confident enough to try new physical activities within their capacity.
• If needing support to navigate the complexities of their rehabilitation journey is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Clark develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their pain being accurately diagnosed and effectively treated. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy enjoying intimate moments without being limited by pain or physical restriction.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Clark, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Clark is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Clark's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Burlington, is situated in the Headon Forest, Palmer neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Clark recommend them?

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly and well electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. Clark might recommend these electrodiagnostic tests to help diagnose conditions such as pinched nerves (radiculopathy), carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve or muscle problems, guiding further treatment.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Clark do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Clark is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities resulting from injury (e.g., sports injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury), illness (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis), or chronic pain. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Clark?

Yes, in ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Clark for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Clark has the necessary background medical information. Please speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Clark treats?

Physiatrists like Dr. Clark treat a variety of conditions, including the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. Dr. Clark focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Clark at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Clark will typically involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the nature and timeline of your current symptoms, how these symptoms impact your daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Clark will then perform a thorough physical examination, which may focus on the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, spine) and/or neurological system depending on the presenting problem. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT) or test results will be reviewed. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Clark will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Clark covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Clark are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided you have a valid health card and appropriate referral if required by the plan or clinic. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain types of injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees for materials or facility use. It's always best to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

3027 Harvester Road
Burlington, ON, L7N 3G7

Phone: (905) 333-5100

Dr. Benjamin Brian Clark is a licensed Physiatrist in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 71199

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Clark-Benjamin-Brian/0139155-71199

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Clark. Dr. Clark and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.