Crista Kidholm Macmillan – Physiotherapist | Winchester, ON

Crista Kidholm Macmillan is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Summers Physiotherapy in Winchester, ON, Crista MacMillan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Crista MacMillan 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. Crista MacMillan serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Crista Kidholm Macmillan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2007). With extensive clinical experience, Crista MacMillan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Crista MacMillan has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Crista MacMillan maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Crista MacMillan adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Crista MacMillan offers consultations in English.

Crista Kidholm Macmillan provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.

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. Crista MacMillan can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Crista MacMillan to witness patients conquer recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) and experience a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports again.
• Patients struggling with managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease can find dedicated and compassionate support from Crista MacMillan. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• For those whose recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) has made dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks seem like a distant memory, Crista MacMillan's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Living with feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems doesn't have to be your norm. Crista MacMillan applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness.

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

Crista MacMillan practices at Summers Physiotherapy, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Winchester neighborhood of Winchester. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

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.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

How can I book an appointment at Summers Physiotherapy?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (613) 774-4505 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your 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. 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 criteria are strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

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.

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.

Summers Physiotherapy
530 Fred St., Unit H
Winchester, ON, K0C 2K0

Phone: (613) 774-4505

Crista Kidholm Macmillan 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: XXX86

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=748a4806-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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