Eric William Baker – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Eric William Baker is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Compass Community Health in Hamilton, ON, Eric Baker is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Eric Baker addresses 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. Eric Baker serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Eric William Baker completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2003). With extensive clinical experience, Eric Baker is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Eric Baker has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Eric Baker empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy; and a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Eric Baker offers consultations in English.

Eric William Baker provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

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. Eric Baker can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain? Eric Baker works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.
• When dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back, physiotherapy with Eric Baker can help you work towards a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Eric Baker's clinic, common concerns like persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Eric Baker can help you move beyond a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns). The focus is on increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting.

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

Eric Baker practices at Compass Community Health, situated in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Jackson Square and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as "direct access." However, while a referral isn't legally required for your appointment, some extended health insurance plans may require a physician's referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific coverage requirements before your first appointment.

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.

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

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. While publicly funded physiotherapy is available through certain programs (e.g., post-hospitalization for specific conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), eligibility criteria are strict and waitlists may exist. You should check your private or extended health insurance plan, as many offer coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics. It is always advisable to verify your eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

Compass Community Health
438 Hughson Street North
Hamilton, ON, L8L 4N5

Phone: (905) 523-6611

Eric William Baker 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: XXX36

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=8ef8e7b9-8d02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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