Michael Vallely – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Michael Vallely is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Innova Health Clinic in Hamilton, ON, Michael is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Michael addresses 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. Michael serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Michael Vallely completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2000). With extensive clinical experience, Michael is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Michael has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Michael empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Michael demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Michael offers consultations in English and French.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.
• 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): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.

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: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• 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.

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. Michael can assess your needs.

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.

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

• For those whose trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip has made spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain seem like a distant memory, Michael's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Physiotherapy with Michael can be a transformative turning point for those affected by aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk. The shared goal is achieving increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints, paving the way for you to enjoy hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter and a more active, vibrant life.
• Many individuals seek help from Michael, their physiotherapist, when persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like cycling longer distances with their cycling club.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Michael can help you move beyond my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly). The focus is on being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain.

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

Michael practices at Innova Health Clinic, situated in the Durand, Kirkendall South neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Ancaster Mill (Ancaster) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

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, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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 Innova Health Clinic 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 physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment, it should not be distressing or harmful. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first physiotherapy session will be an in-depth assessment. Expect to discuss your issue, its history, and your overall health. Michael will perform physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and areas of concern. The goal is to understand your condition fully to develop a tailored treatment plan. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or initial hands-on care.

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 criteria are strict. It is strongly advised that you check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Innova Health Clinic treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

Bring your health card, any referral letters, and reports or images from medical tests. If you have private insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement.

Innova Health Clinic
309 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON, L8P 1J7

Phone: (905) 389-9489

Michael Vallely 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: XXX26

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=94d355e7-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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