When to see a Physiotherapist
A Physiotherapist can help if you have:
- Pain
- Trouble moving
- Muscle weakness
- Complications after an injury, surgery, or illness
- Difficulties returning to work activities or hobbies after an injury
Some of the areas of the body that physiotherapists can help you with include:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Hip or knee pain
- Balance problems
- Dizziness
Physiotherapists will help you by:
- Teaching exercises
- Explaining what’s happening in your body
- Giving you strategies to help reduce pain
- Using hands-on treatments
These treatments can help you feel better, move better and feel more in control of your body.
If pain, weakness, or movement problems make daily life harder, a Physiotherapist can help you get back to doing what you love. They can also help if you want to start exercising but don’t know where to begin.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
At your first appointment, your Physiotherapist will ask about your health, symptoms, and goals. They will check how you move, your strength, and any areas of pain or tightness. They may gently feel your muscles and joints to see what might be causing your problem.
You’ll get a treatment plan with exercises and other ways to help you feel better. You can also ask questions and share any concerns. The goal is to help you move and feel your best!
How do I connect with a Hamilton Family Health Team Physiotherapist?
- Our Physiotherapists lead free groups and workshops that are open to the public such as,
- “GLA:D: Hip and Knee” program is designed for individuals with mild to severe osteoarthritis in the hip and/or knee.
- Healthy Aging Session
- Menopause Session
- Managing Chronic Pain Session
- JustWalk
2. One-on-one appointments: You must be eligible** and be referred by a doctor or healthcare provider, who is part of the Hamilton Family Health Team.
** There are additional eligibility requirements for our physiotherapy services:
- You must be age 20-64
- You must have no extended health benefits for physiotherapy through work/school
- No ongoing litigation related to this injury
- No WSIB or MVA claim related to this injury
Your group or one-on-one appointment can take place in Hamilton at Central (123 James St. N.) or Queensdale (688 Queensdale Ave E.) Some groups are virtual.
To find out if your doctor or healthcare provider is in the Hamilton Family Health Team, search for your doctor’s name on our catalog using our map. If you don’t have a family doctor or primary care provider, contact our Attachment Team.
I am eligible**, how do I book an appointment?
Talk to your family doctor or health care provider at the Hamilton Family Health Team about referring you for physiotherapy. Once the referral is sent, our receptionist will call you to book your first appointment. If you need a translator, we can arrange one for you.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
When to see a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist?
A Pelvic Health Physiotherapist can help if you have:
- Trouble controlling your bladder or bowels (like leaking or rushing to the bathroom)
- Pain, pressure, or heaviness in your pelvic, back, or hip area
- Constipation
- Are pregnant and/or want help getting back to exercise after having a baby
Pelvic Health Physiotherapists will help you by:
- Teaching exercises
- Explaining what’s happening in your body
- Giving you strategies to help reduce pain
- Using hands-on treatments
These treatments can help you feel better, move better and feel more in control of your body.
If pain, pelvic health issues, or movement problems make daily life harder, a Physiotherapist can help you get back to doing what you love. They can also help if you want to start exercising but don’t know where to begin.
What can I expect at my first Pelvic Health appointment?
At your first appointment for pelvic health physiotherapy, your Physiotherapist may provide an internal vaginal or rectal exam. This is one way to help check how your pelvic floor muscles are working. This is only done if you are completely comfortable with it. You do not have to do an internal exam if you don’t want to. Your physiotherapist can talk to you about other options. There are many exercises and strategies that can still help, even without an internal exam.
How can I connect with a Hamilton Family Health Team Pelvic Health Physiotherapist?
To have one-on-one care with a pelvic health physiotherapist at HFHT, you must be eligible** and be referred by a doctor or healthcare provider who is part of the following:
- Hamilton Family Health Team
- McMaster Family Health Team
- Wilson Medical Centre
** There are additional eligibility requirements for our physiotherapy services:
- You must be age 20-64
- You must have no extended health benefits for physiotherapy through work/school
- No ongoing litigation related to this injury
- No WSIB or MVA claim related to this injury
I am eligible**, how do I book an appointment?
Talk to your family doctor or health care provider at the Hamilton Family Health Team, McMaster Family Health Team, or Wilson Medical Centre about referring you for physiotherapy. Once the referral is sent, our receptionist will call you to book your first appointment. If you need a translator, we can arrange one for you.
How do I get to my appointment?
When you book you first assessment or follow-up appointment, our administrator or physiotherapist will tell you which location to go to:
If your appointment is at the Central:
123 James St. N, Main floor
Hamilton, ON
905-667-4848
There is limited free parking available for patients just behind the building on the ramp (“HFHT Parking Only”). There is paid street parking nearby.
If your appointment is at the Queensdale Hub:
688 Queensdale Avenue East, 3rd floor
Hamilton, ON
289-389-1723
There is free parking available for patients at the parking lot directly connected to the building (“Tenant parking only”) and at the parking lot on the northeast corner of Queensdale and Upper Sherman (diagonal to the clinic).
If you have trouble getting a ride, taking the bus, or using other transportation to get to your appointment, please let us know so we can see how we can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will my Physiotherapy appointments cost?
There is no cost for Physiotherapy at the Hamilton Family Health Team. As long as you meet our eligibility** criteria you can receive one-on-one physiotherapy treatment for free.
How long is my appointment?
- For non-pelvic health issues, initial visits are 60 minutes, follow-ups are 30 minutes.
- For pelvic health issues, initial visits are 75 minutes, follow-up are 45 minutes.
How often or frequent will I be attending physio?
This will depend on your concerns, health history, and goals. Our goal is to help you better understand your condition and learn some tools you can use at home to help you help yourself.
On average, a physiotherapy treatment plan lasts 3-4 months, and you may meet with the Physiotherapist 4-8 times over the course of this period.
Can I still attend my pelvic health physiotherapy appointment if I am on my period?
Yes! We can still do an internal exam when you are on your period, if you are comfortable with it (we just put down extra pads). If you are not comfortable with it, there are other treatment strategies and exercises that we can discuss during that appointment.
Who is eligible for free physiotherapy? What if I don’t meet the criteria to get free physiotherapy through HFHT?
Hamilton Family Health Team Physiotherapy
To qualify for HFHT Physio, you must be be referred by your doctor or healthcare provider, and they must be in our network (search if your doctor is in our network here)
- You must be age 20-64
- You must have no extended health benefits for physiotherapy through work/school
- No ongoing litigation related to this injury
- No WSIB or MVA claim related to this injury
If you do not meet the above eligibility criteria, you may be able to access physiotherapy services through other organizations:
- If you are younger than 19 or older than 65 years old:
- Physiotherapy, you may qualify for physiotherapy services at “Designated OHIP Physiotherapy Clinics” funded by the Ontario government. To see a listing of all designated physiotherapy clinics, please visit the government’s website, or our pdf of Hamilton Physio Clinics that Take OHIP.
- Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, you may qualify for physiotherapy services at “Designated OHIP Physiotherapy Clinics” funded by the Ontario government. To see a listing of all designated physiotherapy clinics, please see our pdf of Hamilton Pelvic Health Physiotherapy clinics that Take OHIP.
- Pediatric patients (younger than 19) with conditions affecting development or participation at school may qualify for services at a Children’s Developmental Rehabilitation Program, or parents/caregivers may ask a child’s teacher or principal for information about referrals for school-based rehabilitation.
- People who need physiotherapy services at home may qualify for funded services through Ontario Health at Home.
- Patients of the McMaster/Stone Church Family Health Team can self-refer to the physiotherapists that are part of that team.
- Patients who do not have doctors with a Family Health Team can access physiotherapy through Compass Community Health.
- If you have a direct workplace injury, you should seek physiotherapy care through your claim with the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB).
- If you have an injury related to a motor vehicle accident (MVA), you should seek physiotherapy care through a claim with your MVA insurance company.
OHIP-Funded Physiotherapy
If you are younger than 19 or older than 65 years old, you may qualify for physiotherapy services funded by the Ontario government (not through our Health Team). Below is a listing of all designated physiotherapy clinics. Visit the government’s website, or review our PDF of Hamilton Physio Clinics that Take OHIP:
If you’re receiving benefits from the Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works, you also qualify for funding at a designated physiotherapy clinic. You need a drug benefit card and Ontario health card. To see a listing of all designated physiotherapy clinics, please visit the government’s website, or pdf of Hamilton Physio Clinics that Take OHIP
Veterans may qualify for funded physiotherapy at a designated clinic. Please see the Veterans Affairs Canada for more information
Additional Organization Resources
Pediatric patients with conditions affecting development or participation at school may qualify for services at a Children’s Developmental Rehabilitation Program, or parents/caregivers may ask a child’s teacher or principal for information about referrals for school-based rehabilitation.
People who need physiotherapy services at home may qualify for funded services through Ontario Health at Home.
Patients of the McMaster/Stonechurch Family Health Team can self-refer to the physiotherapists that are part of that team. Non-FHT patients who are not eligible for any of the physiotherapy services listed here can contact Compass Community Health.