Emma Alison Schoo – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Emma Alison Schoo is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Emma Schoo is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Emma Schoo's focus is addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Emma Schoo provides specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents to address developmental delays, congenital conditions (like torticollis), orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and promote optimal motor function and participation.

Emma Alison Schoo completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2015). With clinical experience, Emma Schoo is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Emma Schoo has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Pediatric Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Emma Schoo employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Emma Schoo offers consultations in English, French.

Emma Alison Schoo provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Pediatric

• Developmental Delays (Gross Motor Skills): Physiotherapy support and intervention for infants and children with delayed physical development to help them achieve their motor potential through play-based activities and targeted exercises.
• Toe Walking (Idiopathic / Habitual): Addressing habitual toe walking in children when other neurological or orthopedic causes have been ruled out by a medical professional.

Sports Injury

• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue (periosteum) around the tibia, which requires rest, activity modification, and specific physiotherapy interventions for recovery.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Damage to muscle tissue that can range from minor micro-tears to more significant partial or complete tears, impacting strength, power, and range of motion.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.

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. Emma Schoo can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• 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.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• 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.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity? Emma Schoo works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting.
• Patients struggling with soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise can find dedicated and compassionate support from Emma Schoo. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.
• Many individuals seek help from Emma Schoo, their physiotherapist, when that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved performance in work-related physical demands, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment and achieved a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties under the skilled care of Emma Schoo. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play with a new lease on life.

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

Emma Schoo practices at McMaster Children's Hospital, situated in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near International Village BIA and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What are McMaster Children's Hospital's operating hours?

McMaster Children's Hospital is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the hospital or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

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. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

McMaster Children's Hospital
1200 Main St. West
Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Emma Alison Schoo 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: XXX14

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=11ba0bff-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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