Dr. Todd Christopher Bentley

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Todd Christopher Bentley addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• 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.
• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Helping patients regain strength, endurance, and mobility to improve their ability to perform daily tasks.

Neurological Conditions

• 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: Helping stroke survivors regain lost abilities and adapt to life after a stroke through specialized therapies.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Management & Rehabilitation: Maximizing functional independence and quality of life for patients with paraplegia or quadriplegia.

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: Non-operative treatment and rehabilitation for common sports injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, tendon injuries, and stress fractures.

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

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with TBI improve cognitive function, physical abilities, and psychosocial adjustment.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs for sprains, strains, tendon injuries, and other sports-related conditions.
• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Creating multidisciplinary treatment strategies involving therapies, assistive devices, and lifestyle modifications to optimize recovery and function.
• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Specialized nerve testing to identify conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy (pinched nerves), peripheral neuropathy, and muscle diseases.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Specialized therapies to address physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges following a stroke.

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

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

• When their child not meeting developmental milestones related to movement starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to managing their personal errands and appointments independently, Dr. Bentley and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by improved balance and reduced risk of falls and a return to comfort and confidence.
• When patients discuss the challenge of adapting to a new disability and wanting to regain independence, Dr. Bentley outlines a path to improved cognitive function, such as memory and concentration, after a brain injury, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably returning to their job or volunteer work.
• Patients presenting with the frustration of not being able to do the hobbies they once loved due to pain or disability can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their rehabilitation plan leading to tangible improvements in their daily function under Dr. Bentley's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume managing their energy levels better throughout the day without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Managing not being able to lift their arm properly after a shoulder injury effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Bentley and the dental team. The clear aim is always regaining strength and function in an injured limb, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying driving their car independently and their daily routines without dental hindrance.

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

Dr. Bentley's practice, The Ottawa Hospital General Campus, is situated in the Hamilton Mountain West (Gourley, Rolston) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near McMaster University (Main Campus) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Please inquire about specific parking arrangements if you have mobility concerns.

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

In Ontario, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Bentley for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Bentley has the necessary medical history. If you believe you need a physiatric assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

How is a Physiatrist different from an Orthopedic Surgeon or a Neurologist?

While all three specialties may deal with the musculoskeletal and/or nervous systems, their approaches differ. Orthopedic Surgeons perform surgery on bones, joints, and related tissues. Neurologists diagnose and treat brain, spinal cord, and nerve diseases, often with medication. Physiatrists like Dr. Bentley focus on optimizing function and quality of life through non-surgical means, rehabilitation planning, and managing disabilities across various conditions. They take a holistic view of how a condition impacts daily life, coordinating multidisciplinary care.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Bentley at The Ottawa Hospital General Campus?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive assessment: a discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, their impact on your daily life, and previous treatments. Dr. Bentley will perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the musculoskeletal and/or neurological system. Prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Bentley will discuss diagnostic impressions, recommend further investigations if needed, and outline treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

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

Dr. Bentley treats various conditions, including stroke consequences, 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. The focus is on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Bentley is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing 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 quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans.

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

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

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Bentley 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. Bentley are typically covered by provincial health plans such as OHIP in ON, with a valid health card and appropriate referral. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain injections, assistive devices, comprehensive programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees. Inquire with The Ottawa Hospital General Campus about potential out-of-pocket costs and check your private insurance for coverage.

The Ottawa Hospital General Campus
Unit Room 1401 CCW, 3-310 Limeridge Rd W, Department of Anaesthesiology
Hamilton, ON, L9C 2V2

Phone: (905) 304-7950

Dr. Todd Christopher Bentley 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: 73472

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Bentley-Todd-Christopher/0158910-73472

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