Christina Elizabeth Carile – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Christina Elizabeth Carile is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Health System in St. Catharines, ON, Christina Carile is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Christina Carile'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. Christina Carile serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Christina Elizabeth Carile completed their degree in Physiotherapy from D'Youville University (Graduating Class of 2005). With extensive clinical experience, Christina Carile is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Christina Carile has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Christina Carile employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Christina Carile's patient-centered approach actively involves individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. There is a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Christina Carile offers consultations in English.

Christina Elizabeth Carile provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): A common overuse injury in active individuals and athletes, sometimes referred to as 'runner's knee' or 'anterior knee pain', often related to biomechanical issues in how the kneecap tracks.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.

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. Christina Carile can assess your needs.

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• 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.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy? Christina Carile works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as cycling longer distances with their cycling club.
• Christina Carile frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Christina Carile's clinic, common concerns like hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing.
• If trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury is preventing you from fully enjoying taking group exercise classes at the community center, Christina Carile offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Christina Carile practices at Niagara Health System, situated in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Pen Centre Shopping Mall and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What are Niagara Health System's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at or check our website/online booking portal at for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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 insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so it's best to check your insurance policy before your appointment.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization, for children/youth/seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility is strict and waitlists may apply. Check your private insurance for coverage.

Does Niagara Health System offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment and confirm your coverage with your provider beforehand.

Niagara Health System
1200 Fourth Ave
St. Catharines, ON, L2S 0A9

Phone: (905) 378-4647

Christina Elizabeth Carile 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: XXX70

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f8bc373c-8e02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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