Sharon Elizabeth Rukavina – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Sharon Elizabeth Rukavina is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Care Plus-Hamilton in Hamilton, ON, Sharon Rukavina is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sharon Rukavina's role involves 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. Sharon Rukavina serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Sharon Elizabeth Rukavina completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Mohawk College (Graduating Class of 1985). With extensive clinical experience, Sharon Rukavina is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sharon Rukavina has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Sharon Rukavina empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy; and maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Sharon Rukavina offers consultations in English.

Sharon Elizabeth Rukavina provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• 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.

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): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

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. Sharon Rukavina can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• 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.
• 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 Sharon Rukavina, 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 Care Plus-Hamilton, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Sharon Rukavina frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Don't let my child walking on their toes most of the time dictate what you can and cannot do. Sharon Rukavina offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life, helping you reclaim going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again and enjoy a more functional life.
• If general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden is preventing you from fully enjoying managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain, Sharon Rukavina offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• For those whose that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity has made walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness seem like a distant memory, Sharon Rukavina's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Rediscover your ability to driving for longer periods without neck or back pain without the constant burden of one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain. Sharon Rukavina focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Sharon Rukavina practices at Care Plus-Hamilton, situated in the Hamilton Mountain East Central (Burkholder, Raleigh) 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. 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 typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to book an appointment, some private and extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. OHIP may cover physiotherapy in specific situations, such as after a hospital stay for certain conditions, for children and youth, or seniors through specific programs. There may also be publicly funded physiotherapy available through Community Physiotherapy Clinics or Family Health Teams, but eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may exist. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

What are Care Plus-Hamilton's operating hours?

Care Plus-Hamilton 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 (905) 560-6318 or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

How can I book an appointment at Care Plus-Hamilton?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 560-6318 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.

Care Plus-Hamilton
1119 Fennell Ave. East, Suite 238
Hamilton, ON, L8T 1S2

Phone: (905) 560-6318

Sharon Elizabeth Rukavina 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: XXX79

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=7bac5e01-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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