Mary Katherine Devcic – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Mary Katherine Devcic is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton in Hamilton, ON, Mary Devcic is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Mary Devcic's practice 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. Mary Devcic serves adults within the Hamilton community.

Mary Katherine Devcic completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2008). With extensive clinical experience, Mary Devcic is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Mary Devcic has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Mary Devcic's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; and promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy. Mary Devcic offers consultations in English.

Mary Katherine Devcic provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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 type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.

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-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.

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. Mary Devcic can assess your needs.

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Mary Devcic, 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. Mary Devcic frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• At Mary Devcic's physiotherapy practice, individuals with soreness and tightness in their Achilles tendon, especially after exercise are guided towards less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as taking group exercise classes at the community center.
• Physiotherapy with Mary Devcic can be a transformative turning point for those affected by swelling in their arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment. The shared goal is achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small, paving the way for you to enjoy simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions and a more active, vibrant life.
• Are you finding that working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery stops you from enjoying playing your musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods? Mary Devcic is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Don't let recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) dictate what you can and cannot do. Mary Devcic offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health, helping you reclaim participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf and enjoy a more functional life.

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

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

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, even though a referral isn't legally required to make an appointment, some private health insurance plans may require one for coverage. It's crucial to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements for physiotherapy reimbursement.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. While OHIP may cover physiotherapy in certain situations such as after a hospital stay or for specific populations (e.g., children, seniors) through publicly funded programs, eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. To determine your coverage, please contact OHIP directly. Most people rely on private insurance plans for coverage of physiotherapy services in private clinics. It is always recommended to check your private insurance policy for details on physiotherapy coverage.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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

Phone: (905) 522-1155

Mary Katherine Devcic 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: XXX62

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=bd52b29b-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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