Christine Dawn Kasserra – Physiotherapist | Kingston, ON

Christine Dawn Kasserra is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Kingston Health Sciences Centre in Kingston, ON, Christine Kasserra is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Christine Kasserra'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. Christine Kasserra serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Christine Dawn Kasserra completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 1990). With extensive clinical experience, Christine Kasserra is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Christine Kasserra has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Christine Kasserra's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Christine Kasserra offers consultations in English.

Christine Dawn Kasserra provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• 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. Christine Kasserra can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.

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

• Don't let experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy dictate what you can and cannot do. Christine Kasserra offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks, helping you reclaim playing in their competitive volleyball league again and enjoy a more functional life.
• If managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease is preventing you from fully enjoying shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back, Christine Kasserra offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Patients often come to Christine Kasserra feeling defeated by working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress and resuming dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• The journey to being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury when faced with persistent feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems is made smoother and more effective with Christine Kasserra's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain.

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

Christine Kasserra practices at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, situated in the Downtown Kingston, Queen's University Area, Sydenham Ward neighborhood of Kingston. The clinic is conveniently located near Waterfront Hotels and is accessible via Kingston Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

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

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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 Kingston Health Sciences Centre?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to the Kingston Health Sciences Centre. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

Kingston Health Sciences Centre
166 Brock Street
Kingston, ON, K7L 5G2

Phone: (613) 544-3400

Christine Dawn Kasserra 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: XXX05

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c065e28a-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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