Dr. Benjamin Ryan Ritsma

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Benjamin Ryan Ritsma addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Comprehensive care for individuals with limb loss, including pre-prosthetic management, prosthetic prescription, gait training, and adjustment to life with a prosthesis.
• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Rehabilitation programs to address generalized weakness, fatigue, and loss of function following prolonged illness, hospitalization, or inactivity.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Chronic Widespread Pain: Addressing persistent pain that affects multiple body regions, often associated with conditions like fibromyalgia or central sensitization.
• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Utilizing medications, interventional techniques, and therapies specifically targeted at nerve-related pain.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of CRPS (formerly RSD), a chronic pain condition typically affecting an arm or leg after an injury or trauma.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Non-operative treatment and rehabilitation for common sports injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, tendon injuries, and stress fractures.
• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Managing conditions caused by repetitive stress and overuse, such as tendinopathies, shin splints, or stress reactions.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Ritsma, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Developing comprehensive, patient-centered rehabilitation plans tailored to individual needs, goals, and specific conditions.
• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Leading a rehabilitation team to ensure all aspects of a patient's recovery are addressed cohesively.
• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Performing and interpreting Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) to assess nerve and muscle function and diagnose neuromuscular disorders.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs for sprains, strains, tendon injuries, and other sports-related conditions.
• Therapeutic Injections (Joints, Soft Tissues, Nerves): Targeted injections to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve function in various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Ritsma. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Benjamin Ryan Ritsma adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Simcoe Muskoka, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Ritsma frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Ritsma understands that dealing with feeling like their body just isn't recovering properly after an accident can be challenging. That's why his treatment plans are geared towards achieving greater endurance and less fatigue during physical activity, helping patients comfortably get back to lifting and carrying their young child or pet and feeling their best.
• Through Dr. Ritsma's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from struggling with everyday tasks like dressing or cooking due to severe arthritis pain often find they can readily achieve achieving a better overall sense of well-being and physical comfort and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like remembering appointments and managing daily schedules after a brain injury.
• Dr. Ritsma's comprehensive care for feeling unsteady on their feet and worrying about falls is meticulously designed to result in optimized recovery after surgery or a major medical event. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as bending down or kneeling without severe discomfort without dental worries.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Ritsma when they first notice their multiple sclerosis symptoms making it difficult to stay active. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their functional goals being met through a tailored rehabilitation program, enabling them to once again enjoy walking around their neighborhood or a park comfortably without hesitation.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Ritsma, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Ritsma is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Ritsma's practice, Simcoe Muskoka, is situated in the Downtown Kingston, Queen's University Area, Sydenham Ward neighborhood of Kingston. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Kingston and is accessible via Kingston Transit. Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Ritsma?

In Ontario, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Ritsma for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Ritsma has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need a physiatric assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Ritsma treats?

Dr. Ritsma treats various conditions, including the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. Dr. Ritsma focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

What is the policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations at Simcoe Muskoka?

We understand unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 24 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Ritsma. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee. Please inquire about the specific fee. We appreciate your cooperation.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Ritsma covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Ritsma are typically covered by provincial health plans such as OHIP in ON, provided you have a valid health card and appropriate referral. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain injections, assistive devices) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees. Inquire with Simcoe Muskoka about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance regarding coverage.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Ritsma at Simcoe Muskoka?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive assessment: a discussion of your medical history, symptoms, their impact on your daily life, and previous treatments. Dr. Ritsma will perform a thorough physical examination, review imaging or test results, and discuss diagnostic impressions, further investigations (if needed), and treatment options. You will work together to establish functional goals.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Ritsma recommend them?

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates muscle electrical activity, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. Ritsma might recommend these to diagnose conditions such as pinched nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve or muscle problems, guiding treatment.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Ritsma do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Ritsma is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans.

What should I bring to my appointment with Dr. Ritsma?

Bring your provincial health card, referral letter (if applicable), a list of all current medications, copies of relevant medical records and imaging reports, and any pertinent test results. If applicable, wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy examination and bring any braces or assistive devices you use.

Simcoe Muskoka
752 King St W, Regional Cancer Program
Kingston, ON, K7L 4X3

Phone: (613) 544-4900

Dr. Benjamin Ryan Ritsma is a licensed Physiatrist in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 93713

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Ritsma-Benjamin-Ryan/0266148-93713

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Ritsma. Dr. Ritsma and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.