Lucas David Proulx – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Lucas David Proulx is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton in Hamilton, ON, Lucas Proulx is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Lucas Proulx focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Lucas Proulx serves seniors in the Hamilton community.

Lucas David Proulx completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2018). With clinical experience, Lucas Proulx is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Lucas Proulx has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Lucas Proulx empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy. Lucas Proulx offers consultations in English.

Lucas David Proulx provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Guidance on hip precautions (if applicable for your surgical approach), a progressive exercise program, and functional retraining after hip surgery to help you achieve your goals.

Arthritis

• 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): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.

Geriatric

• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Physiotherapy aimed at improving safe and efficient movement, gait quality (e.g., step length, speed, pattern), balance, and confidence in mobility for seniors. May include assessment and prescription of appropriate mobility aids (e.g., cane, walker).
• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: A decline in physical function, muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), and endurance commonly associated with aging or inactivity, sometimes leading to frailty, increased fall risk, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks independently.

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. Lucas Proulx can assess your needs.

• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: A holistic and active approach to managing long-standing pain, empowering you with tools and knowledge for better daily living, increased activity tolerance, and improved mood.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.

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

• Are you finding that dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) stops you from enjoying participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf? Lucas Proulx is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Patients struggling with feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort can find dedicated and compassionate support from Lucas Proulx. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods.
• Many individuals seek help from Lucas Proulx, their physiotherapist, when breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day.
• If feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move is preventing you from fully enjoying running their usual 5k route without knee pain, Lucas Proulx offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Lucas Proulx practices at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, situated in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near the Art Gallery of Hamilton and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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 individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Does St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details. 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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health. Our treatments often involve Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations, Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

Phone: (905) 522-1155

Lucas David Proulx 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: XXX85

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=bd0a15b4-70f7-e811-8178-480fcff4f671

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