Karen A. Graham

Karen A. Graham provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.

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. Karen can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.

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

• At Karen's physiotherapy practice, individuals with that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder are guided towards implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace.
• Karen believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If my child walking on their toes most of the time is hindering your ability to travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations, a personalized plan focusing on achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small can make all the difference.
• Patients often come to Karen feeling defeated by a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns and resuming challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Tired of awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) interfering with reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches? Karen uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Karen practices at Hamilton Health Sciences Juravinski Hospital, situated in the Hamilton Mountain Central (Inch Park, Eastmount) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Dundas and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 Ontarians. 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 waitlists may apply. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility 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.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is injury prevention. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses, and provide a personalized program to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

How can I book an appointment at Hamilton Health Sciences Juravinski Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (905) 521-2100 during business hours. Online booking options may also be available through the hospital's website.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy uses hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain. This can include joint mobilization, manipulation (where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), soft tissue mobilization, and neural mobilization. The goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and enhance tissue function.

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

Many private health insurance plans cover physiotherapy. Contact your insurer before your appointment to understand your coverage: annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options. Bring your insurance card to your appointment.

Hamilton Health Sciences Juravinski Hospital
711 Concession St.
Hamilton, ON, L8V 1C3

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Karen A. Graham 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: XXX16

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c80abb12-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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