Susan Caroline Mahler – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Susan Caroline Mahler is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Sue Mahler is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sue Mahler'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. Sue Mahler's approach involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Sue Mahler serves adults.

Susan Caroline Mahler completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1986). With extensive clinical experience, Sue Mahler is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sue Mahler has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Sue Mahler's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy. Sue Mahler empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Sue Mahler employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Sue Mahler offers consultations in English.

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

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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).

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.

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. Sue Mahler can assess your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: A structured physiotherapy program designed to help you manage your chronic lung condition more effectively, improve your physical function, and reduce hospital admissions.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Specialized care for heart and lung conditions, focusing on functional improvement, symptom management, and empowering you with strategies for better respiratory and cardiac health. Also includes recovery support after pneumonia or other significant respiratory infections.

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

• Patients struggling with difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy can find dedicated and compassionate support from Sue Mahler. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• Are you finding that dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) stops you from enjoying driving for longer periods without neck or back pain? Sue Mahler is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Patients often come to Sue Mahler feeling defeated by breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness and resuming spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• When one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children, physiotherapy with Sue Mahler can help you work towards learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Sue Mahler practices at Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital, situated in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Bayfront Park and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

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 Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital 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.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Does Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please inquire directly with the billing department at Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital to confirm their direct billing policies with private insurance companies. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital 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 general physiotherapy and Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital
237 Barton St. East
Hamilton, ON, L8L 2X2

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Susan Caroline Mahler 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: XXX35

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=577ffc05-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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