Rakhi Pillai Vijayamma – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Rakhi Vijayamma is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Hamilton Health Sciences Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Rakhi Vijayamma is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Rakhi Vijayamma's focus is addressing 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. Rakhi Vijayamma serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Rakhi Vijayamma completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Mahatma Gandhi University (Graduating Class of 2002). With extensive clinical experience, Rakhi Vijayamma is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Rakhi Vijayamma has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Rakhi Vijayamma empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Rakhi Vijayamma employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Rakhi Vijayamma promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy. Rakhi Vijayamma offers consultations in English, Hindi, and Malayalam.

Rakhi Pillai Vijayamma provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

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. Rakhi Vijayamma can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.

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

• Rediscover your ability to swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation without the constant burden of my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night. Rakhi Vijayamma focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move? Rakhi Vijayamma works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as driving for longer periods without neck or back pain.
• Patients often come to Rakhi Vijayamma feeling defeated by my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement and resuming going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• For those whose my child walking on their toes most of the time has made actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back seem like a distant memory, Rakhi Vijayamma's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Rakhi Vijayamma practices at Hamilton Health Sciences Juravinski Hospital, situated in the Hamilton Mountain Central (Inch Park, Eastmount) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Eastgate Square 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.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. 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 for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. 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 are Hamilton Health Sciences Juravinski Hospital's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly. It depends on factors including the nature and severity of your condition, its duration, your goals, your body's response to therapy, and your adherence to home exercises. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

Hamilton Health Sciences Juravinski Hospital
711 Concession St.
Hamilton, ON, L8V 1C3

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Rakhi Pillai Vijayamma 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: XXX55

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=aa7b45f7-8d02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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