Matthew Hickey – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Matthew Hickey is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist). Practicing at Burlington Sports and Spine Clinic in Burlington, ON, Matt is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Matt'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. Matt serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Matthew Hickey completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2024). With clinical experience, Matthew Hickey is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Matthew Hickey has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

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

Matthew Hickey provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.
• 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.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• 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.
• 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.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.

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. Matt can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Matt, their physiotherapist, when aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
• Matt believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady is hindering your ability to engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands, a personalized plan focusing on a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence can make all the difference.
• Patients struggling with needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity can find dedicated and compassionate support from Matt. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• The journey to learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress when faced with persistent my child walking on their toes most of the time is made smoother and more effective with Matt's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day.

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

Matt practices at Burlington Sports and Spine Clinic, situated in the Headon Forest, Palmer neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Burlington Mall and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is there parking available at or near Burlington Sports and Spine Clinic?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

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

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

What is Burlington Sports and Spine Clinic'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 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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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

Patients in Ontario 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. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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), but eligibility criteria are strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Burlington Sports and Spine Clinic treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also offer Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education.

Burlington Sports and Spine Clinic
3455 Fairview St Unit 27
Burlington, ON, L7N 2R4

Phone: (289) 351-0301

Matthew Hickey 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: XXX68

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=81e92dc7-8a9b-ef11-8a6a-000d3af32d17

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