About
Christine Elizabeth Smit is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at London Health Sciences Centre in London, ON, Christine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Christine addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Christine focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence.
Christine Elizabeth Smit completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2005). With extensive clinical experience, Christine is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Christine has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.
Christine employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the London community through proactive physiotherapy; and a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Christine Smit offers consultations in English.
Christine Elizabeth Smit provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Post Surgical
- Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.
- Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.
- Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
- Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).
Geriatric
- Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Addressing specific mobility challenges to enhance safety, reduce fall risk, and improve participation in life activities for older adults.
- Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: A decline in physical function, muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), and endurance commonly associated with aging or inactivity, sometimes leading to frailty, increased fall risk, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks independently.
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 can assess your needs.
- Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
- Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Targeted exercises and strategies designed by your Physiotherapist to improve your stability, coordination, lower limb strength, and body awareness (proprioception), thereby reducing your risk of falls, particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with balance impairments.
- Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
- Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
- Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Helping seniors regain their physical capacity, reduce dependency, and improve their ability to manage at home safely and effectively.
- Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Christine, 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 London Health Sciences Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Christine frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- It's truly rewarding for Christine to witness patients conquer clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk and experience improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation again.
- Many individuals seek help from Christine, their physiotherapist, when dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.
- Christine frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events.
- Don't let pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) dictate what you can and cannot do. Christine offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort, helping you reclaim taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes and enjoy a more functional life.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Christine, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Christine practices at the London Health Sciences Centre, situated in the Downtown London, North London East neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Fanshawe College (Main Campus) and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- What are London Health Sciences Centre's operating hours?
- London Health Sciences Centre 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 or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.
- Is there parking available at or near London Health Sciences Centre?
- Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside the building. Look for the designated patient spots.
- What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at London Health Sciences Centre treat?
- Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health. Our treatments often involve Postural Assessment and Correction, Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.
- 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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for 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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.
London Health Sciences Centre
800 Commissioners Road East
London, ON, N6A 5W9
Phone: (519) 685-8500
Christine Elizabeth Smit 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=35273928-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.