Carissa Patience Smith – Physiotherapist | Chatham-Kent, ON

Carissa Patience Smith is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Peach Physiotherapy and Wellness in Chatham-Kent, ON, Carissa Smith is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Carissa Smith'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. Carissa Smith serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Carissa Patience Smith completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2021). With clinical experience, Carissa Smith is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Carissa Smith has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Carissa Smith empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; Carissa Smith promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Chatham-Kent community through proactive physiotherapy. Carissa Smith offers consultations in English, French.

Carissa Patience Smith provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• 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.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

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. Carissa Smith can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.

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

• Patients struggling with trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain can find dedicated and compassionate support from Carissa Smith. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.
• Carissa Smith frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.
• The journey to greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching when faced with persistent pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard is made smoother and more effective with Carissa Smith's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain.
• Physiotherapy with Carissa Smith can be a transformative turning point for those affected by managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease. The shared goal is achieving understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term, paving the way for you to enjoy being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Carissa Smith practices at Peach Physiotherapy and Wellness, situated in the Chatham South neighborhood of Chatham-Kent. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via CK Transit (Inter-Urban and Within Chatham). 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 typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, even though a referral isn't legally required to book an appointment, some private insurance plans may require one for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to confirm their specific requirements before your first appointment.

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

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. OHIP may cover physiotherapy in specific situations, such as after a hospital stay for certain conditions, or for certain populations (children, youth, seniors) through specific programs or community clinics. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. Check directly with OHIP and your private insurance provider to determine your coverage.

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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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 Peach Physiotherapy and Wellness 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.

Peach Physiotherapy and Wellness
421 Saint Clair Street, Unit 1
Chatham-Kent, ON, N7L 3K4

Phone: (519) 358-7342

Carissa Patience Smith 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: XXX26

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6257940a-e40b-ec11-b6e6-000d3af4f5c6

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