Tristan Robert Kenneth Richardson – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Tristan Robert Kenneth Richardson is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Hamilton General Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Tristan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Tristan's focus is 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. Tristan serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Tristan Robert Kenneth Richardson completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2019). With clinical experience, Tristan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Tristan has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

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

Tristan Robert Kenneth Richardson provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

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. Tristan can assess your needs.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.

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

• Tired of difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke interfering with attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout? Tristan uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand) and regain your freedom of movement.
• Don't let feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move dictate what you can and cannot do. Tristan offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence, helping you reclaim managing their personal care routines independently and enjoy a more functional life.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk? Tristan works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods.
• It's truly rewarding for Tristan to witness patients conquer frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders and experience feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match again.

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

Tristan practices at Hamilton General Hospital, situated in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near FirstOntario Centre and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 our 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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Is there parking available at or near Hamilton General Hospital?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to Hamilton General Hospital. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans do require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. We strongly advise you to check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy 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 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.

Hamilton General Hospital
237 Barton Street-Medical Overflow Unit
Hamilton, ON, L8L 2X2

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Tristan Robert Kenneth Richardson 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: XXX03

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=082b91d5-41d6-e911-a812-000d3af4346a

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