Hillary Briar Farr – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Hillary Briar Farr is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Hillary is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Hillary focuses on 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. Hillary serves adults.

Hillary Briar Farr completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2005). With extensive clinical experience, Hillary is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Hillary has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Hillary's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; Hillary also employs a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Hillary offers consultations in English.

Hillary Briar Farr provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.

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. Hillary 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.

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

• At Hillary's physiotherapy practice, individuals with that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work are guided towards improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck and achieved increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings under the skilled care of Hillary. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain with a new lease on life.
• For those whose trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain has made participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf seem like a distant memory, Hillary's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Hillary frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours.

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

Hillary practices at Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital, situated in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near McMaster University (Main Campus) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so it's best to check with your insurance provider before your appointment.

What is Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. 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 coverage; many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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 coverage details with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly.

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

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Hillary Briar Farr 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: XXX31

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=4df7403a-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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