Francesca C. Hall Bullock – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Francesca C. Hall Bullock is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Fran Hall Bullock is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Fran Hall Bullock specializes in managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Fran Hall Bullock's approach involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education, serving adults within the Hamilton community.

Francesca C. Hall Bullock completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1993). With extensive clinical experience, Fran Hall Bullock is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Fran Hall Bullock has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Fran Hall Bullock's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy. Fran Hall Bullock empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Fran Hall Bullock maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Fran Hall Bullock offers consultations in English.

Francesca C. Hall Bullock provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

Long Covid

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Symptom Management: A structured and individualized physiotherapy approach to address the diverse and often fluctuating symptoms of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome, aiming to improve exercise tolerance gradually, manage fatigue effectively, and support a return to meaningful activities and work.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.

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. Fran Hall Bullock can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Fran Hall Bullock, 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. Fran Hall Bullock frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Fran Hall Bullock's help, managing that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit to achieve a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations.
• Patients often come to Fran Hall Bullock feeling defeated by knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort and resuming taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• The journey to effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle when faced with persistent that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away is made smoother and more effective with Fran Hall Bullock's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden and achieved achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small under the skilled care of Fran Hall Bullock. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache with a new lease on life.

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

Fran Hall Bullock practices at Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital, situated in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Westmount Recreation Centre and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Fran Hall Bullock's clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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 (Postural Back/Neck Pain), 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 Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription, Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans do require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. We strongly advise you to check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Francesca C. Hall Bullock 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: XXX59

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=cda77838-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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