About
Matthew Paul Joseph Hutnan is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Joseph's Hospital - Day Hospital Program in Thunder Bay, ON, Matthew Hutnan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Matthew Hutnan 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. Matthew Hutnan serves adults.
Matthew Paul Joseph Hutnan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Graduating Class of 2020). With clinical experience, Matthew Hutnan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Matthew Hutnan has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
Matthew Hutnan empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Matthew Hutnan offers consultations in English.
Matthew Paul Joseph Hutnan provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Common Musculoskeletal
- Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
- Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
- Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
Post Surgical
- 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.
- 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.
Joint Pain
- Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
- Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
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. Matthew Hutnan can assess your needs.
- General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
- Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
- Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
- Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
- Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
- Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Matthew Hutnan, 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 Hospital - Day Hospital Program, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Matthew Hutnan frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- The path to recovery from my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) and achieving reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas for attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events often starts with expert guidance. Matthew Hutnan, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
- Many individuals seek help from Matthew Hutnan, their physiotherapist, when feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like going on birdwatching outings in various terrains.
- Struggling with the frustration of general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden? Matthew Hutnan develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity. This is key to helping you get back to doing reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
- Dealing with the ongoing challenges of widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia? Matthew Hutnan works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Matthew Hutnan, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Matthew Hutnan practices at St. Joseph's Hospital - Day Hospital Program, situated in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?
- The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.
- 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.
- How can I book an appointment at St. Joseph's Hospital - Day Hospital Program?
- You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (807) 346-2308 during business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.
- 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 (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may 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. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.
St. Joseph's Hospital - Day Hospital Program
35 North Algoma Street
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5G7
Phone: (807) 346-2308
Matthew Paul Joseph Hutnan 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: XXX48
Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d8564304-35c2-ec11-983e-000d3a09ea50
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.