Kelly Ann Fraser – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Kelly Ann Fraser is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Joseph's Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Kelly A Fraser is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kelly A Fraser 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. Kelly A Fraser serves adults within the Hamilton community.

Kelly Ann Fraser completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Mohawk College (Graduating Class of 1990). With extensive clinical experience, Kelly A Fraser is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kelly A Fraser has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Kelly A Fraser empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Kelly A Fraser adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Kelly A Fraser promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy. Kelly A Fraser offers consultations in English.

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

Hand Wrist

• 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.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.

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. Kelly A Fraser can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.

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

• Don't let difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke dictate what you can and cannot do. Kelly A Fraser offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks, helping you reclaim walking their children to school or the park and enjoy a more functional life.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work? Kelly A Fraser works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.
• At Kelly A Fraser's physiotherapy practice, individuals with dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) are guided towards reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations.
• With Kelly A Fraser's help, managing swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment to achieve a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness.

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

Kelly A Fraser practices at St. Joseph's Hospital, situated in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near the Hamilton Mountain Shopping Area and is accessible via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

What are St. Joseph's Hospital's operating hours?

St. Joseph's Hospital is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the hospital or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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. Always check your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

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

Patients in ON 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.

St. Joseph's Hospital
50 Charlton Ave. E
Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6

Phone: (905) 522-1155

Kelly Ann Fraser 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: XXX62

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=5e543cae-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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