Maureen Elizabeth Vanwart – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Maureen Elizabeth Vanwart is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Thrive Physiotherapy in Hamilton, ON, Maureen Van Wart is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Maureen Van Wart's approach 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. Maureen Van Wart serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Maureen Elizabeth Vanwart completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1993). With extensive clinical experience, Maureen Van Wart is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Maureen Van Wart has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Maureen Van Wart 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. Maureen Van Wart offers consultations in English and French.

Maureen Elizabeth Vanwart provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.
• 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): 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.

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. Maureen Van Wart can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• 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.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• 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.

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

• Physiotherapy with Maureen Van Wart can be a transformative turning point for those affected by loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury. The shared goal is achieving greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities, paving the way for you to enjoy keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match and a more active, vibrant life.
• Many individuals seek help from Maureen Van Wart, their physiotherapist, when difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like driving for longer periods without neck or back pain.
• Rediscover your ability to simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air without the constant burden of numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs. Maureen Van Wart focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Tired of difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke interfering with swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation? Maureen Van Wart uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Maureen Van Wart practices at Thrive Physiotherapy, situated in the Durand, Kirkendall South neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Dundas and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

How can I book an appointment at Thrive Physiotherapy?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 524-0000 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Thrive Physiotherapy offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

Is there parking available at or near Thrive Physiotherapy?

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

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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.

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

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

Thrive Physiotherapy
237 Locke Street South
Hamilton, ON, L8P 2E5

Phone: (905) 524-0000

Maureen Elizabeth Vanwart 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: XXX14

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f346832c-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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