Laura H M Doyle – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Laura H M Doyle is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at McMaster Family Practice in Hamilton, ON, Laura Doyle is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Laura Doyle's focus is 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. Laura Doyle serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Laura H M Doyle completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1999). With extensive clinical experience, Laura Doyle is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Laura Doyle has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Laura Doyle's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy. Laura Doyle has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care, and employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Laura Doyle offers consultations in English.

Laura H M Doyle provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Gentle and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation following spinal surgery (e.g., for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spinal fusion), initiated once cleared by your surgeon, to improve mobility, core strength, posture, reduce pain, and safely return to daily activities.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• 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.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• 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.

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. Laura Doyle can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• 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.

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

• Patients struggling with feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older can find dedicated and compassionate support from Laura Doyle. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as playing in their competitive volleyball league again.
• Physiotherapy with Laura Doyle can be a transformative turning point for those affected by awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis). The shared goal is achieving a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being, paving the way for you to enjoy dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks and a more active, vibrant life.
• Are you finding that feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move stops you from enjoying sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort? Laura Doyle is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Laura Doyle's clinic, common concerns like soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.

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

Laura Doyle practices at McMaster Family Practice, situated in the Durand, Kirkendall South neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near FirstOntario Centre (Bay St Entrance) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

How can I book an appointment at McMaster Family Practice?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 546-9885 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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.

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 there may be waitlists. It's essential to check your private insurance plan for coverage of physiotherapy services in private clinics.

McMaster Family Practice
100 Main St W, 3rd Floor
Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6

Phone: (905) 546-9885

Laura H M Doyle 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: XXX29

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d33b7f93-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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