Pamela E. Hilliard – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Pamela E. Hilliard is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, ON, Pam is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Pam 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. Pam serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring her approach to meet each individual's unique needs and goals.

Pamela E. Hilliard completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1974). With extensive clinical experience, Pamela E. Hilliard is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Pamela E. Hilliard has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Pam's practice philosophy centers around a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Pam promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy and utilizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Pamela E. Hilliard offers consultations in English.

Pamela E. Hilliard 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): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• 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

• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Common athletic injuries affecting major muscle groups such as the hamstrings, calves, groin (adductors), quadriceps, or rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): An overuse injury affecting the lower leg, common in athletes, dancers, and military recruits, characterized by diffuse pain along the tibia.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): A bone injury resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation due to repetitive mechanical loading, often seen in runners or athletes who rapidly increase their training.

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. Pam can assess your needs.

• 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: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• 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.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.

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

• The journey to greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities when faced with persistent trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is made smoother and more effective with Pam's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.
• Pam believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury is hindering your ability to participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring, a personalized plan focusing on feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey can make all the difference.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk? Pam works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• Patients struggling with feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort can find dedicated and compassionate support from Pam. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events.

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

Pam practices at The Hospital for Sick Children, located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Nathan Phillips Square and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Does The Hospital for Sick Children offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While The Hospital for Sick Children does not offer direct billing, we provide detailed official receipts that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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 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 coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

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.

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

No, you do not need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in Ontario. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Please check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Avenue
Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-1500

Pamela E. Hilliard 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: XXX58

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f5080106-8902-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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