Dr. Jonathan Patrick Hawkeswood

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Jonathan Patrick Hawkeswood addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

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.

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: Comprehensive care for individuals with limb loss, including pre-prosthetic management, prosthetic prescription, gait training, and adjustment to life with a prosthesis.

Neurological Conditions

• Peripheral Neuropathy: Addressing disorders of the peripheral nervous system to reduce discomfort and prevent complications.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Symptom Management & Functional Rehab: Rehabilitative support for patients with MS to optimize mobility, energy conservation, and overall well-being.

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

• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Leading a rehabilitation team to ensure all aspects of a patient's recovery are addressed cohesively.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Point-of-care ultrasound to diagnose soft tissue injuries, guide injections, and monitor treatment progress.
• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Goal-oriented rehabilitation planning to help patients regain independence and improve their ability to perform daily activities.
• Spasticity Management (e.g., Botulinum Toxin Injections): Utilizing botulinum toxin (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®) injections to reduce muscle spasticity and improve range of motion in conditions like stroke, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury.
• Management of Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson's): Optimizing function and quality of life for patients with progressive or chronic neurological conditions through tailored therapies and adaptive strategies.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Hawkeswood. 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. Jonathan Patrick Hawkeswood adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in BC and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Dr. Jonathan Patrick Hawkeswood'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. Hawkeswood frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Hawkeswood about trouble with their memory and concentration after a head injury is to attain greater endurance and less fatigue during physical activity. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like participating in their favorite sports or fitness activities.
• Are you struggling with their work-related injury preventing them from performing their job duties? Dr. Hawkeswood partners with patients to target improved cognitive function, such as memory and concentration, after a brain injury, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as going up and down stairs without significant difficulty or pain a much more achievable reality.
• If their child not meeting developmental milestones related to movement is preventing you from fully enjoying dressing, bathing, and grooming themselves without assistance or causing discomfort, Dr. Hawkeswood offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve better management of their chronic condition, leading to an improved quality of life through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Patients experiencing not being able to use their hand effectively after a nerve injury often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Hawkeswood's practice, a key objective is being able to manage their symptoms with less reliance on pain medication, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in engaging in light exercises like swimming or cycling.

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

Dr. Hawkeswood's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Nanaimo, is situated in the Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood of Nanaimo. The clinic is conveniently located near Nanaimo Museum and is accessible via Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Hawkeswood 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. Hawkeswood 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. Hawkeswood will discuss his diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Hawkeswood 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. Hawkeswood 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.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Hawkeswood covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Hawkeswood are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, 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 for patients to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

Dr. Hawkeswood treats a variety of conditions, including but not limited to: 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. Hawkeswood focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Hawkeswood 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. Hawkeswood?

In BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Hawkeswood for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Hawkeswood has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

302-1621 Dufferin Cres
Nanaimo, BC, V9S 5T4

Phone: (778) 441-2880

Dr. Jonathan Patrick Hawkeswood is a licensed Physiatrist in BC, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

License Number: 63068

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/330189/Hawkeswood%2CJonathan

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