Lesley Dawn Hughes – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Lesley Dawn Hughes is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Fit For Life Physiotherapy in Burlington, ON, Lesley Hughes is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Lesley Hughes'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. Lesley Hughes serves seniors and other patients in the Burlington community.

Lesley Dawn Hughes completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2004). With extensive clinical experience, Lesley Hughes is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Lesley Hughes has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Lesley Hughes's practice philosophy centers around promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Burlington community through proactive physiotherapy. Lesley Hughes empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results, employing a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Lesley Hughes offers consultations in English.

Lesley Dawn Hughes provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

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

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• 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. Lesley Hughes can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• 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 Lesley Hughes, 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 Fit For Life Physiotherapy, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Lesley Hughes frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity? Lesley Hughes works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house.
• Rediscover your ability to dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks without the constant burden of aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk. Lesley Hughes focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Many find that working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery significantly impacts their ability to peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours. Lesley Hughes helps patients target a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Lesley Hughes frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like driving for longer periods without neck or back pain.

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

Lesley Hughes practices at Fit For Life Physiotherapy, located in the Tyandaga, Aldershot North neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Spencer Smith Park and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Does Fit For Life Physiotherapy offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Fit For Life Physiotherapy offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. However, please always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Fit For Life Physiotherapy offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While some discomfort or stretching sensation might be felt, especially initially, it shouldn't be distressing. Your Physiotherapist will adjust treatments to your comfort level.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first appointment involves a comprehensive assessment: discussion of your medical history, symptoms, concerns, and goals; a physical examination evaluating range of motion, strength, posture, etc.; a clinical impression/diagnosis; and a personalized treatment plan.

What are Fit For Life Physiotherapy's operating hours?

Fit For Life Physiotherapy is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours can vary, so please call the office or check their website for the most current hours and availability.

Fit For Life Physiotherapy
4 - 18 Plains Road West
Burlington, ON, L7T 0B3

Phone: (905) 333-3488

Lesley Dawn Hughes 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=fcd24af1-8d02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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