Pasqualina Lina Santaguida – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at McMaster University in Hamilton, ON, Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida serves adults.

Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1985). With clinical experience, Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida 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. Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida offers consultations in English, French, Italian.

Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Neurological

• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: May include specific facial exercises, neuromuscular re-education (PNF for the face), biofeedback, electrical stimulation (if appropriate), massage, and strategies to improve facial movement, symmetry, reduce synkinesis (unwanted movements), and manage eye care.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Rehabilitation strategies tailored to the unique and often variable presentation of FND, working collaboratively with the patient to achieve their functional goals.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Individualized exercise programs (e.g., strength, aerobic, balance, flexibility), energy conservation techniques, and compensatory strategies tailored by a Neuro Physiotherapist for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Helping individuals with Parkinson's Disease maintain mobility, functional independence, and safety, and improve their quality of movement and life.

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.

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. Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida can assess your needs.

• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Specialized physiotherapy programs focused on addressing the unique physical needs of older adults, aiming to improve mobility, strength, balance, flexibility, manage age-related conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia), and reduce the risk of falls.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Rehabilitation focused on reversing the effects of deconditioning, combating frailty, and restoring autonomy for seniors, enabling them to live more fully.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury? Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. This is key to helping you get back to doing working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Physiotherapy with Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida can be a transformative turning point for those affected by managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease. The shared goal is achieving getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care, paving the way for you to enjoy standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event and a more active, vibrant life.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from an awkward gait or limping when I walk and achieved a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery under the skilled care of Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation with a new lease on life.
• Rediscover your ability to playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time without the constant burden of pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies. Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Pasqualina (Lina) Santaguida's practice at McMaster University is situated in the Westdale, Ainslie Wood (McMaster University area) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Bayfront Park and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

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?

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.

McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8

Phone: (905) 525-9140

Pasqualina Lina Santaguida 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: XXX34

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c35b69f5-8902-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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