Sharon Susan John – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Sharon Susan John is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton in Hamilton, ON, Sharon John is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards.

Sharon John's focus is managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. This involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Sharon John serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Sharon Susan John completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2022). With clinical experience, Sharon John is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sharon John has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy. Sharon John embraces a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Sharon John offers consultations in English.

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

Long Covid

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Symptom Management: Tailored physiotherapy rehabilitation programs focusing on symptom-guided activity management (pacing), gentle graded exercise (carefully monitored to avoid post-exertional malaise - PEM), breathing retraining exercises, strategies for fatigue and 'brain fog', and functional retraining to help individuals manage the debilitating effects of Long COVID.

Cardioresp

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): Physiotherapy as a core component of pulmonary rehabilitation programs for COPD, including supervised exercise training (aerobic and strength), breathing techniques (e.g., pursed-lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing), airway clearance techniques (if mucus is an issue), and education to help manage COPD symptoms, improve exercise tolerance, and enhance quality of life.
• Asthma Management (Exercise-Induced & General Support): Techniques and education provided by a physiotherapist for better asthma self-management, improving breathing patterns, and reducing the impact of asthma on daily life.
• Bronchiectasis Management (Airway Clearance): A chronic lung condition where the airways (bronchi) become permanently widened and damaged, leading to mucus buildup, recurrent chest infections, chronic cough, and breathlessness. Physiotherapy focuses primarily on airway clearance techniques.
• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Physiotherapy to help individuals safely return to physical activity, improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance, and enhance overall heart health after a cardiac incident or procedure, often in a supervised setting initially.

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 John can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• 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.

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

• When widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions, physiotherapy with Sharon John can help you work towards regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• The path to recovery from post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery and achieving a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort for getting on and off the floor with ease often starts with expert guidance. Sharon John, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• For those whose recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches has made shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back seem like a distant memory, Sharon John's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• At Sharon John's physiotherapy practice, individuals with awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) are guided towards enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.

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

Sharon John practices at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, situated in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Dundurn Castle National Historic Site and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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 or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton treat?

Physiotherapists at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, 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 cardiorespiratory physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as 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/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy 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 reduce the 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.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first appointment will involve a detailed evaluation, including a discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and goals. A physical assessment will be performed to identify the cause of your problem. Your therapist will then explain their findings, discuss treatment goals, and outline a plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial part of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals to complement your in-clinic treatment and accelerate your recovery.

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
50 Charlton Ave. E.
Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6

Phone: (905) 522-1155

Sharon Susan John 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: XXX72

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=527ea962-607a-ed11-81ad-002248d51760

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