Christine Flora Rose Klassen – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Christine Flora Rose Klassen is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St. Catharines, ON, Christine Klassen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Christine Klassen 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 Klassen serves seniors within the community.

Christine Flora Rose Klassen completed their degree in Physiotherapy from D'Youville University (Graduating Class of 2006). With clinical experience, Christine Klassen is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Christine Klassen has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Christine Klassen promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Christine Klassen offers consultations in English.

Christine Flora Rose Klassen provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Geriatric

• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Combating the effects of inactivity and the aging process to help prevent or manage frailty, maintain mobility, and improve overall autonomy and quality of life in seniors.
• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Physiotherapy aimed at improving safe and efficient movement, gait quality (e.g., step length, speed, pattern), balance, and confidence in mobility for seniors. May include assessment and prescription of appropriate mobility aids (e.g., cane, walker).

Neurological

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Focusing on restoring movement, balance, and independence after a traumatic or acquired brain injury through evidence-based physiotherapy approaches.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with MS stay active, manage symptoms effectively, maintain independence for as long as possible, and adapt to changes in their condition.

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 Klassen can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Improving daily function, energy levels, and reducing pain sensitivity for individuals with fibromyalgia through a carefully progressed and individualized physiotherapy plan.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: A holistic and active approach to managing long-standing pain, empowering you with tools and knowledge for better daily living, increased activity tolerance, and improved mood.

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

• 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 Klassen offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain, helping you reclaim easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips and enjoy a more functional life.
• It's truly rewarding for Christine Klassen to witness patients conquer knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run and experience implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations again.
• Struggling with the frustration of swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment? Christine Klassen develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function. This is key to helping you get back to doing reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• When recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts, physiotherapy with Christine Klassen can help you work towards running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Christine Klassen practices at Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre, situated in the Merritton, Thorold South (Brock University Area) neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Pen Centre Shopping Mall and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre 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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans do require a doctor's referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. We strongly advise checking the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre
541 Glenridge Ave.
St. Catharines, ON, L2T 4C2

Phone: (905) 685-1381

Christine Flora Rose Klassen 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: XXX33

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=3da9b7c3-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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