Melinda Joy Broersma – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Melinda Joy Broersma is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Mindy is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Mindy focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Mindy serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Melinda Joy Broersma completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2006). With extensive clinical experience, Melinda Joy Broersma is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Mindy has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Mindy's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy. Mindy adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Mindy employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Mindy offers consultations in English and French Creole.

Melinda Joy Broersma provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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 chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.

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. Mindy can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Mindy, 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 McMaster Children's Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Mindy frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Living with recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery doesn't have to be your norm. Mindy applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Mindy's clinic, common concerns like pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like walking their children to school or the park.
• Mindy believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) is hindering your ability to keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match, a personalized plan focusing on a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable can make all the difference.
• Many individuals seek help from Mindy, their physiotherapist, when recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back.

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

Mindy practices at McMaster Children's Hospital, located in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near the Hamilton Public Library Central Branch and is accessible via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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.

What is McMaster Children's Hospital'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 may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact the clinic or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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 require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause temporary soreness, it should not be excessively painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect and adjust the intensity to ensure your comfort.

McMaster Children's Hospital
1200 Main St. West
Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Melinda Joy Broersma 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: XXX56

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=3cfaceb1-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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