Description
About Luciana Gazzi Macedo
Luciana Gazzi Macedo is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at McMaster University in Hamilton, ON, Luciana Gazzi Macedo is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Luciana Gazzi Macedo's role involves 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. Luciana Gazzi Macedo serves a diverse range of patients.
Luciana Gazzi Macedo completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (Graduating Class of 2003). With clinical experience, Luciana Gazzi Macedo is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Luciana Gazzi Macedo has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
Luciana Gazzi Macedo's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy. Luciana Gazzi Macedo offers consultations in English, Portuguese.
Common Health Concerns Luciana Gazzi Macedo Addresses
Luciana Gazzi Macedo provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
- 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): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Hand Wrist
- Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
- Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
Post Surgical
- Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).
- Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
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. Luciana Gazzi Macedo can assess your needs.
Luciana Gazzi Macedo's Physiotherapy Services
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Luciana Gazzi Macedo, 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.
Achieving Your Health Goals with Physiotherapy Care
At McMaster University, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Luciana Gazzi Macedo frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- The journey to feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises when faced with persistent tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot is made smoother and more effective with Luciana Gazzi Macedo's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.
- Rediscover your ability to playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends without the constant burden of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain. Luciana Gazzi Macedo focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
- It's truly rewarding for Luciana Gazzi Macedo to witness patients conquer awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) and experience feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match again.
- Through personalized physiotherapy at Luciana Gazzi Macedo's clinic, common concerns like my child walking on their toes most of the time are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Luciana Gazzi Macedo, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Clinic Location & Accessibility
Luciana Gazzi Macedo's practice at McMaster University is situated in the Westdale, Ainslie Wood (McMaster University area) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near James Street North Art District and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions about Physiotherapy in Hamilton
- What is McMaster University's appointment cancellation policy?
- We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.
- How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?
- You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.
- What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?
- Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.
- 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 advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Is there parking available at or near McMaster University?
- Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby. Please check local signage for restrictions.
- What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at McMaster University 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 sports injuries. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Therapeutic Ultrasound Application, Therapeutic Heat Application, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.
- 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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.
Clinic Contact & Licensing Information
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8
Phone: (905) 525-9140
Luciana Gazzi Macedo 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: XXX93
Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=22a6d528-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.