Eileen J. Britt

Eileen J. Britt provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Neurological

• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation for facial nerve disorders to help restore facial expression, improve function (e.g., eating, speaking, eye closure), and enhance overall facial appearance and confidence.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy strategies to help manage common MS symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, spasticity, balance problems, walking difficulties, pain, and bladder dysfunction, aiming to maintain function, improve quality of life, and promote self-management.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Focusing on restoring movement, balance, and independence after a traumatic or acquired brain injury through evidence-based physiotherapy approaches.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

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. Eileen can assess your needs.

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Eileen, 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 Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Eileen frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Eileen believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies is hindering your ability to returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun, a personalized plan focusing on effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle can make all the difference.
• Rediscover your ability to playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time without the constant burden of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain. Eileen focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• The path to recovery from persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady and achieving learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress for performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back often starts with expert guidance. Eileen, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Tired of pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) interfering with tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence? Eileen uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Eileen practices at Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital, situated in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most of the population. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance for coverage as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Does Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital 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 according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (Cervicogenic Headaches), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like general physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Core Stability & Strengthening Training, Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Is there parking available at or near Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to the hospital. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital
237 Barton St. East
Hamilton, ON, L8L 2X2

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Eileen J. Britt 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: XXX94

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d3bf8ecb-8902-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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