Cristina Abadiano – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Cristina Abadiano is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at PT Health Brant Active Physiotherapy in Burlington, ON, Cristina is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Cristina 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. Cristina serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Cristina Abadiano completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Fatima College of Physical Therapy (Graduating Class of 1996). With extensive clinical experience, Cristina is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Cristina has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Cristina empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Cristina employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Cristina promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Burlington community through proactive physiotherapy. Cristina offers consultations in English, Tagalog.

Cristina Abadiano provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.

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. Cristina can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• 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): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work? Cristina develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving enhanced ability to participate in social and community events. This is key to helping you get back to doing participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• It's truly rewarding for Cristina to witness patients conquer tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot and experience experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in driving for longer periods without neck or back pain again.
• Don't let frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders dictate what you can and cannot do. Cristina offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence, helping you reclaim operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work and enjoy a more functional life.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older? Cristina works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.

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

Cristina practices at PT Health Brant Active Physiotherapy, located in the Maple, Dynes neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Burlington City Hall and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

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.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

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.

PT Health Brant Active Physiotherapy
2015 Mount Forest Dr
Burlington, ON, L7P 1M4

Phone: (905) 632-1734

Cristina Abadiano 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: XXX08

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=25af3ca3-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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