Sharmila Kulkarni – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Sharmila Kulkarni is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Innova Health Clinic in Hamilton, ON, Sharmila Kulkarni is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sharmila Kulkarni'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. Sharmila Kulkarni serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Sharmila Kulkarni completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1999). With extensive clinical experience, Sharmila Kulkarni is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sharmila Kulkarni has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Sharmila Kulkarni's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy. Sharmila Kulkarni adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Sharmila Kulkarni offers consultations in English, French, and Italian.

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.

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. Sharmila Kulkarni can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.

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

• The path to recovery from that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work and achieving less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function for peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours often starts with expert guidance. Sharmila Kulkarni, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Physiotherapy with Sharmila Kulkarni can be a transformative turning point for those affected by recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement. The shared goal is achieving feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began, paving the way for you to enjoy cycling longer distances with their cycling club and a more active, vibrant life.
• The journey to improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors when faced with persistent my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) is made smoother and more effective with Sharmila Kulkarni's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring.
• Many find that trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury significantly impacts their ability to keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match. Sharmila Kulkarni helps patients target understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Sharmila Kulkarni practices at Innova Health Clinic, situated in the Durand, Kirkendall South neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check your individual insurance policy's requirements before your first appointment.

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. It is strongly recommended that you check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Innova Health Clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

What are Innova Health Clinic's operating hours?

Innova Health 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 at [clinic_phone_number_if_available_else_contact_the_clinic] or check our website/online booking portal at [clinic_website_if_available_else_blank] for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Innova Health Clinic 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 Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation), Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Innova Health Clinic
309 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON, L8P 1J7

Phone: (905) 389-9489

Sharmila Kulkarni 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: XXX25

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=2870d0c8-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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