Sarah Melinda Fairfield – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Sarah Melinda Fairfield is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Sarah Fairfield is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sarah Fairfield'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 Fairfield serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Sarah Melinda Fairfield completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2004). With extensive clinical experience, Sarah Fairfield is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sarah Fairfield has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Sarah Fairfield empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Sarah Fairfield demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Sarah Fairfield offers consultations in English.

Sarah Melinda Fairfield 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): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• 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

• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), often resulting from running, jumping, or other repetitive impact activities, especially with sudden increases in training intensity or volume.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.

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 Fairfield can assess your needs.

• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from an awkward gait or limping when I walk and achieved building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury under the skilled care of Sarah Fairfield. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as walking their children to school or the park with a new lease on life.
• Rediscover your ability to playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain without the constant burden of that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away. Sarah Fairfield focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Tired of sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica interfering with managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain? Sarah Fairfield uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments and regain your freedom of movement.
• Struggling with the frustration of recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist? Sarah Fairfield develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms. This is key to helping you get back to doing travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Sarah Fairfield practices at McMaster Children's Hospital, situated in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Hamilton Public Library Central Branch and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Does McMaster Children's Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While McMaster Children's Hospital 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 any 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.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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. You should check your private insurance for coverage of services at a private clinic.

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.

How can I book an appointment at McMaster Children's Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 521-2100 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at McMaster Children's Hospital treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. We also offer services such as Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction and Functional Movement Screening. Our treatments often involve patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

McMaster Children's Hospital
1200 Main St. West
Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Sarah Melinda Fairfield 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: XXX13

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9411d0f7-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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