Christine Ruth Pollard – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Christine Ruth Pollard is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St. Catharines, ON, Chris Pollard is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Chris Pollard'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. Chris Pollard serves a diverse range of patients within the St. Catharines community and surrounding areas.

Christine Ruth Pollard completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1993). With extensive clinical experience, Chris Pollard is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Chris Pollard has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy, ensuring patients receive the most up-to-date and effective care.

Chris Pollard's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Chris Pollard promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy and patient education. Chris Pollard offers consultations in English.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.

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. Chris Pollard can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• 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.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Chris Pollard, 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. Chris Pollard frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Chris Pollard believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity is hindering your ability to getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing, a personalized plan focusing on greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching can make all the difference.
• Patients struggling with soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise can find dedicated and compassionate support from Chris Pollard. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• It's truly rewarding for Chris Pollard to witness patients conquer tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot and experience feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in taking group exercise classes at the community center again.
• The path to recovery from widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia and achieving the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort for participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises often starts with expert guidance. Chris Pollard, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Chris Pollard's practice is located at the Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre in the Merritton, Thorold South (Brock University Area) neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Lakeside Park and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 plan, 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 (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While some discomfort or stretching sensation might be felt, especially initially, it shouldn't be distressing. Your Physiotherapist will adjust treatments to your comfort level.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also offer specialized skills in areas like General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain by identifying and addressing risk factors through targeted exercises and education.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed varies depending on individual needs. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated timeline after your first visit.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy helps you move and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Your Physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

Phone: (905) 685-1381

Christine Ruth Pollard 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: XXX28

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=66947b32-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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