Mark Joseph Ruggiero – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Mark Joseph Ruggiero is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Hamilton Health Sciences in Hamilton, ON, Mark Ruggiero is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Mark Ruggiero focuses on 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 Ruggiero serves adults.

Mark Joseph Ruggiero completed their degree in Physiotherapy from D'Youville University (Graduating Class of 2006). With extensive clinical experience, Mark Ruggiero is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Mark Ruggiero has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Mark Ruggiero employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Mark Ruggiero offers consultations in English.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Restoring spinal function, core stability, and body mechanics post-operatively, ensuring a safe progression back to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• 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: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• 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.

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 Ruggiero can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.

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

• Patients struggling with an awkward gait or limping when I walk can find dedicated and compassionate support from Mark Ruggiero. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain.
• When persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes, physiotherapy with Mark Ruggiero can help you work towards understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort? Mark Ruggiero works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as managing their personal care routines independently.
• The journey to experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life when faced with persistent recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement is made smoother and more effective with Mark Ruggiero's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.

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

Mark Ruggiero's practice at Hamilton Health Sciences is situated in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Hamilton Public Library Central Branch and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

How can I book an appointment at Hamilton Health Sciences?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 521-2100 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website at [Website Address]. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

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 (this is known as direct access). However, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to *see* a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Hamilton Health Sciences treat?

Our Physiotherapists 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 Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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 that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Hamilton Health Sciences
300 Wellington St. N.
Hamilton, ON, L8L 0A4

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Mark Joseph Ruggiero 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: XXX72

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d6c0f0cb-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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