Elaine S. Principi – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Elaine S. Principi is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at McMaster University in Hamilton, ON, Elaine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Elaine provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Elaine serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.

Elaine S. Principi completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Mohawk College (Graduating Class of 1982). With extensive clinical experience, Elaine is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Elaine has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Elaine's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy. Elaine employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Elaine S. Principi offers consultations in English.

Elaine S. Principi provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.

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. Elaine can assess your needs.

• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy? Elaine works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.
• The path to recovery from my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) and achieving feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day for getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting often starts with expert guidance. Elaine, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Tired of awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) interfering with being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house? Elaine uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors and regain your freedom of movement.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Elaine can help you move beyond tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot. The focus is on a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises.

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

Elaine's practice at McMaster University is situated in the Westdale, Ainslie Wood (McMaster University area) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site (Stoney Creek) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

How can I book an appointment at McMaster University?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 525-9140 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website at [website address]. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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 advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

What are McMaster University's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (905) 525-9140 or check our website/online booking portal at [website address] for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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 individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8

Phone: (905) 525-9140

Elaine S. Principi 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: XXX63

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=996aaca7-8902-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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