Joanna Mary Speller – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Joanna Mary Speller is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Joanna Speller, Physiotherapist in Hamilton, ON, Joanna M Speller is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Joanna M Speller's practice 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. Joanna M Speller serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Joanna Mary Speller completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1986). With extensive clinical experience, Joanna M Speller is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Joanna M Speller has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Joanna M Speller's philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy. Joanna M Speller adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Joanna M Speller empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Joanna M Speller offers consultations in English.

Joanna Mary Speller provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.

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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

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. Joanna M Speller can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.

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

• At Joanna M Speller's physiotherapy practice, individuals with managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease are guided towards sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.
• Physiotherapy with Joanna M Speller can be a transformative turning point for those affected by clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk. The shared goal is achieving achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small, paving the way for you to enjoy travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations and a more active, vibrant life.
• Many individuals seek help from Joanna M Speller, their physiotherapist, when feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache.
• Tired of feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older interfering with peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours? Joanna M Speller uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Joanna M Speller's practice, Joanna Speller, Physiotherapist, is conveniently located in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is situated near the International Village BIA and is easily accessible via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 to book an appointment, some extended health insurance plans may require one for coverage. It's crucial to check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment to avoid unexpected costs.

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

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. OHIP may cover physiotherapy in specific circumstances, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions or for some individuals through specific publicly funded programs (e.g., children/youth, seniors, or Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams). Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. It is essential to check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant reimbursement for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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 there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

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.

Joanna Speller, Physiotherapist
60 Picton Street West
Hamilton, ON, L8L 1E3

Phone: (905) 887-8417

Joanna Mary Speller 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=8f140918-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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