Julie Ann Ball – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Julie Ann Ball is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University in Hamilton, ON, Julie Ball is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Julie Ball's focus is 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. This involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Julie Ball serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Julie Ann Ball completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2003). With extensive clinical experience, Julie Ball is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Julie Ball has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Julie Ball employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Julie Ball offers consultations in English.

Julie Ann Ball provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.

Cardioresp

• Asthma Management (Exercise-Induced & General Support): Techniques and education provided by a physiotherapist for better asthma self-management, improving breathing patterns, and reducing the impact of asthma on daily life.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): Helping you breathe easier, do more with less shortness of breath, and better manage your COPD through a personalized physiotherapy plan.
• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Physiotherapy exercise guidance, education on safe activity progression, and risk factor modification support as part of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program following events like a heart attack (myocardial infarction - MI), heart surgery (e.g., coronary artery bypass graft - CABG, valve replacement), or angioplasty.

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. Julie Ball can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• 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.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden? Julie Ball develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. This is key to helping you get back to doing participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• It's truly rewarding for Julie Ball to witness patients conquer difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy and experience reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in playing in their competitive volleyball league again again.
• Many find that that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity significantly impacts their ability to dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations. Julie Ball helps patients target successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• With Julie Ball's help, managing shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult to achieve increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back.

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

Julie Ball practices at Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University, situated in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near West Harbour GO Station (North End) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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, even though a referral isn't legally required to book an appointment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements for physiotherapy coverage.

What is Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University'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 (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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 there may be waitlists. It's essential to check your private insurance policy, as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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.

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 should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University
1200 Main St. W.
Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Julie Ann Ball 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=93a1d58b-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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