Lucien Louis Thomas – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Lucien Louis Thomas is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Saint Elizabeth in Hamilton, ON, Lou is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Lou'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. Lou serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

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

Lou empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Lou maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Lou adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Lucien Louis Thomas offers consultations in English.

Lucien Louis Thomas provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• 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.
• 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.

Hand Wrist

• 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.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

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. Lou can assess your needs.

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.

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

• Don't let my child walking on their toes most of the time dictate what you can and cannot do. Lou offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function, helping you reclaim going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again and enjoy a more functional life.
• Patients often come to Lou feeling defeated by breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries and resuming driving for longer periods without neck or back pain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden? Lou works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.
• Are you finding that knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run stops you from enjoying using garden tools effectively and without pain? Lou is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Lou practices at Saint Elizabeth, situated in the Hamilton Mountain East (Rosedale, Red Hill) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near the James Street North Art District and is 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?

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 kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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 plan, 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).

What are Saint Elizabeth's operating hours?

Saint Elizabeth is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the clinic or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

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

Saint Elizabeth
1525 Stone Church Rd. East
Hamilton, ON, L8W 3P8

Phone: (877) 972-0800

Lucien Louis Thomas 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: XXX10

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a96b7d8d-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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