Dr. Hilary Brooke Klassen

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Hilary Brooke Klassen addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Guiding recovery and functional restoration after orthopedic or neurosurgical procedures.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Addressing soft tissue inflammation around joints to relieve pain and restore normal movement.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A multimodal approach to complex pain conditions involving muscles and connective tissues.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Management strategies for arthritis, including medication, injections, bracing, and exercise programs to improve joint function and reduce pain.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Addressing chronic pain conditions caused by nerve injury or disease.
• Chronic Widespread Pain: Developing strategies to cope with and reduce the burden of chronic widespread pain.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Treatment aimed at reducing severe pain, swelling, skin changes, and functional impairment associated with CRPS.

Neurological Conditions

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Management & Rehabilitation: Long-term care and rehabilitation for individuals with traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injuries, addressing paralysis, spasticity, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and other complications.
• 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.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Treatment strategies to alleviate symptoms of neuropathy and improve nerve health where possible.

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

• Stroke Rehabilitation: Maximizing functional recovery and independence after a cerebrovascular accident through a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Comprehensive Physiatric Assessment: Thorough evaluation of musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional status, including detailed history, physical examination, and review of imaging/diagnostic tests.
• Treatment of Joint Pain (Arthritis, Tendinopathies): Managing pain and dysfunction related to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and other joint conditions.
• Chronic Pain Management (Multimodal Approach): A holistic approach to chronic pain that addresses the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the pain experience.
• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Performing and interpreting Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) to assess nerve and muscle function and diagnose neuromuscular disorders.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Klassen. 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. Hilary Brooke Klassen adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Hamilton General Hospital, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Klassen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients presenting with not being able to lift their arm properly after a shoulder injury can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of feeling empowered to take an active role in their recovery under Dr. Klassen's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume carrying groceries or other everyday items without the former limitations or discomfort.
• The journey from feeling very stiff and having trouble moving because of their Parkinson's to wellness often involves Dr. Klassen's dedicated care. The milestone is being able to participate more fully in family and social life, which opens the door back to activities such as participating in their favorite sports or fitness activities.
• If wanting to find non-surgical ways to manage their chronic joint pain is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Klassen develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their child achieving better motor skills and functional independence. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy participating in rehabilitation therapies actively and effectively.
• At Dr. Klassen's clinic, addressing a significant decrease in their endurance and ability to perform physical tasks means focusing on patient goals. Achieving restoration of more normal sensation in areas affected by neuropathy helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to reaching for items on high shelves.

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

Dr. Klassen's practice is located at Hamilton General Hospital in the Downtown Barrie, East Bayfield neighborhood of Barrie. The clinic is conveniently located near South Barrie GO Station and is accessible via Barrie Transit. Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

Does Dr. Klassen work with other healthcare professionals as part of a rehabilitation team?

Physiatrists like Dr. Klassen often work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive rehabilitation care. This team may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, social workers, kinesiologists, orthotists/prosthetists, and other medical specialists. Dr. Klassen typically coordinates with these professionals to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to the patient's recovery and functional improvement. Patients can ask Dr. Klassen about the team members who might be involved in their care at Hamilton General Hospital or through referral.

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

Yes, in ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Klassen 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. Klassen has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Klassen 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. Klassen are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided the patient has 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 Hamilton General Hospital 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.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Klassen 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.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Klassen 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. Klassen 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 are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Klassen treats?

Dr. Klassen treats 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. Klassen 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. Klassen at Hamilton General Hospital?

Your first visit with Dr. Klassen will typically involve a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, how these symptoms impact your daily life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Klassen will then perform a thorough physical examination. Any prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Klassen will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

Hamilton General Hospital
Unit 2nd Floor, Room 252, 11 Lakeside Terrace, Division of Emergency Medicine
Barrie, ON, L4M 0H9

Phone: (705) 726-7427

Dr. Hilary Brooke Klassen 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: 97819

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Klassen-Hilary-Brooke/0280775-97819

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Klassen. Dr. Klassen 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.