Mark Adam Rukavina – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Mark Adam Rukavina is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at David Braley Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinic in Hamilton, ON, Mark Rukavina is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Mark Rukavina'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. Mark Rukavina specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Care is tailored to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Mark Rukavina serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Mark Adam Rukavina completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2023). With clinical experience, Mark Rukavina is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Mark Rukavina has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy.

Mark Rukavina empowers 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; and a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Mark Rukavina offers consultations in English.

Mark Adam Rukavina provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): An overuse injury resulting from repetitive friction of the IT band over the lateral femoral epicondyle (at the knee) or greater trochanter (at the hip).
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Dull or aching pain in the front or inner part of the shin that can become sharp with activity, often felt during or after exercise.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Gentle and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation following spinal surgery (e.g., for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spinal fusion), initiated once cleared by your surgeon, to improve mobility, core strength, posture, reduce pain, and safely return to daily activities.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.

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. Mark Rukavina can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Specialized and progressive physiotherapy care for athletes of all levels, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, sport-specific exercise, and safe, timely return-to-sport protocols.
• Sports Performance Enhancement & Injury Prevention: Strategies and training programs to fine-tune your physical capabilities, improve sport-specific skills, and ensure you are well-prepared for the demands of your sport.
• Gait Analysis & Running/Walking Re-training: Evaluation of how you walk or run, with tailored advice from your Physiotherapist on footwear, technique modifications, and exercises to improve your form and prevent injury.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Mark Rukavina, 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 David Braley Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinic, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Mark Rukavina frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Physiotherapy with Mark Rukavina can be a transformative turning point for those affected by tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot. The shared goal is achieving feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries, paving the way for you to enjoy playing in their competitive volleyball league again and a more active, vibrant life.
• With Mark Rukavina's help, managing my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night to achieve a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting.
• The path to recovery from difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy and achieving getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care for handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending often starts with expert guidance. Mark Rukavina, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Struggling with the frustration of recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery? Mark Rukavina develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence. This is key to helping you get back to doing engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Mark Rukavina practices at David Braley Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinic, situated in the Westdale, Ainslie Wood (McMaster University area) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Hamilton General Hospital and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What are David Braley Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinic's operating hours?

David Braley Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners may offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the clinic at [Clinic Phone Number] or check their website for the most up-to-date information and specific practitioner availability.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics for most Ontarians. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria for these programs are strict and there may be waitlists. Most people will need to rely on private insurance for coverage of physiotherapy services in private clinics. It's essential to check your private insurance policy details to understand your coverage.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness is normal, similar to soreness after exercise. However, if your pain significantly increases, you experience new symptoms, or the discomfort doesn't improve within a day or two, contact the clinic immediately. Your Physiotherapist will want to know so they can adjust your care plan.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement and allows your physiotherapist to access the area being treated. For example, shorts are helpful for knee assessments, and a sleeveless top is best for shoulder assessments.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed varies greatly depending on individual needs and condition. Following your initial assessment, Mark Rukavina will provide a better estimate of the number and frequency of sessions required to reach your goals. Your progress will be regularly reviewed, and the treatment plan will be adjusted as needed.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used by Physiotherapists to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain. These techniques may include joint mobilization, joint manipulation (where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), soft tissue mobilization (massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization. The goal is to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and restore optimal joint function.

David Braley Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Clinic
1280 Main St West, David Bradley Athletic Centre
Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1

Phone: (905) 525-9140

Mark Adam Rukavina 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: XXX21

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d647acd9-d14f-ee11-be6f-000d3a09c10f

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