Linda H Yamamoto – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Linda H Yamamoto is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at SE Health - Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant in Hamilton, ON, Linda is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Linda's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Linda serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Linda H Yamamoto completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1990). With extensive clinical experience, Linda is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Linda has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Linda's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care possible. Linda adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Linda offers consultations in English.

Linda H Yamamoto provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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.

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): A common cause of lateral knee pain in athletes, often linked to training errors, muscle imbalances (e.g., weak hip abductors), or poor biomechanics, which physiotherapy aims to address.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Knee discomfort frequently experienced by runners, cyclists, and those involved in activities with repetitive knee bending, which physiotherapy can effectively manage through exercise and biomechanical correction.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• 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: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.

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. Linda can assess your needs.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• 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.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Linda, 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 SE Health - Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Linda frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many find that hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side significantly impacts their ability to sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play. Linda helps patients target improved performance in work-related physical demands with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Living with difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain doesn't have to be your norm. Linda applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• With Linda's help, managing difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy to achieve being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions.
• Rediscover your ability to setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports without the constant burden of recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim). Linda focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Linda practices at SE Health - Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant, located in the Hamilton Mountain East (Rosedale, Red Hill) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near the HMCS Haida National Historic Site and is easily accessible via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

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. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance for coverage as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Always verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at SE Health - Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant treat?

Physiotherapists at SE Health treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation, Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES), exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Does SE Health - Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact the clinic directly to inquire about direct billing options with your specific insurance provider. While we strive to accommodate various insurance plans, it's essential to confirm your coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider. You will be responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

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.

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 may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Always check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

SE Health - Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant
1575 Upper Ottawa Street, Unit 1A-1C
Hamilton, ON, L8W 3E2

Phone: (905) 972-0800

Linda H Yamamoto 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: XXX60

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=70025296-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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