Susanne Carol Sinclair – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Susanne Carol Sinclair is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at McMaster University in Hamilton, ON, Susanne Sinclair is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Susanne Sinclair focuses on 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. Susanne Sinclair serves adults.

Susanne Carol Sinclair completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1994). With extensive clinical experience, Susanne Sinclair is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Susanne Sinclair has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Susanne Sinclair's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy. Susanne Sinclair employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Susanne Sinclair utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Susanne Sinclair offers consultations in English.

Susanne Carol Sinclair provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

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. Susanne Sinclair can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.

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

• At Susanne Sinclair's physiotherapy practice, individuals with trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury are guided towards better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain.
• Susanne Sinclair frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• It's truly rewarding for Susanne Sinclair to witness patients conquer facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) and experience a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably again.
• Patients struggling with that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away can find dedicated and compassionate support from Susanne Sinclair. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes.

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

Susanne Sinclair's practice at McMaster University is situated in the Westdale, Ainslie Wood (McMaster University area) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Ancaster Village 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 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 with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What is McMaster University's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

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/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8

Phone: (905) 525-9140

Susanne Carol Sinclair 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: XXX55

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=614c4874-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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