Patricia Martel – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Patricia Martel is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Westmount Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation in Hamilton, ON, Patricia Martel is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Patricia Martel 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. Patricia Martel serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Patricia Martel completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2010). With clinical experience, Patricia Martel is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Patricia Martel has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Patricia Martel demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy. Patricia Martel offers consultations in English, French.

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

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.

Post Surgical

• 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): Guidance on hip precautions (if applicable for your surgical approach), a progressive exercise program, and functional retraining after hip surgery to help you achieve your goals.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

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. Patricia Martel can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Patricia Martel's clinic, common concerns like one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty.
• Are you finding that a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck stops you from enjoying managing their personal care routines independently? Patricia Martel is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Physiotherapy with Patricia Martel can be a transformative turning point for those affected by numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs. The shared goal is achieving less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function, paving the way for you to enjoy attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events and a more active, vibrant life.
• Patients struggling with pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard can find dedicated and compassionate support from Patricia Martel. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.

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

Patricia Martel practices at Westmount Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, situated in the Hamilton Mountain Central South (Ryckmans, Allison) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near FirstOntario Centre (Bay St Entrance) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 Ontarians. 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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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 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 Westmount Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

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.

What is Westmount Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation'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. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Westmount Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy), Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Westmount Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
723 Rymal Rd W., Suite 300
Hamilton, ON, L9B 2W2

Phone: (905) 385-9687

Patricia Martel 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: XXX30

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=8c077e50-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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