Sarah Leanne Ruggiero – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Sarah Leanne Ruggiero is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Hamilton Health Sciences Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Sarah Ruggiero is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sarah Ruggiero's focus is 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. Sarah Ruggiero serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.

Sarah Leanne Ruggiero completed their degree in Physiotherapy from D'Youville University (Graduating Class of 2006). With extensive clinical experience, Sarah Ruggiero is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sarah Ruggiero has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Sarah Ruggiero employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Sarah Ruggiero empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Sarah Ruggiero offers consultations in English.

Sarah Leanne Ruggiero provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.

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. Sarah Ruggiero can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Sarah Ruggiero, 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. Sarah Ruggiero frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity is preventing you from fully enjoying joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court, Sarah Ruggiero offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• For those whose difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain has made tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence seem like a distant memory, Sarah Ruggiero's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• With Sarah Ruggiero's help, managing feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort to achieve improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Sarah Ruggiero's clinic, common concerns like wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain.

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

Sarah Ruggiero 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 Dundas Valley Conservation Area and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

Is there parking available at or near Hamilton Health Sciences Juravinski Hospital?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to the hospital. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

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 Sarah Ruggiero or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your appointment.

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) but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

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

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Sarah Leanne Ruggiero 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: XXX84

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c60de9d1-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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