Dr. Denise Louise Richardson

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Denise Louise Richardson addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Neurological Conditions

• Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident - CVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive rehabilitation for individuals who have experienced an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussion Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs aimed at improving memory, attention, executive function, balance, and emotional regulation after brain injury.

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Rehabilitation programs to address generalized weakness, fatigue, and loss of function following prolonged illness, hospitalization, or inactivity.
• 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.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Addressing the underlying biomechanical factors contributing to overuse injuries and implementing strategies for recovery and prevention.
• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Specialized care to optimize recovery and prevent re-injury in athletes of all levels.

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Guiding recovery and functional restoration after orthopedic or neurosurgical procedures.

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

• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Working collaboratively with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated care.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Specialized therapies to address physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges following a stroke.
• Chronic Pain Management (Multimodal Approach): Developing individualized pain management plans to reduce suffering and improve daily functioning for patients with chronic pain.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with TBI improve cognitive function, physical abilities, and psychosocial adjustment.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Specialized care for athletes with musculoskeletal injuries, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and safe return to sport.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Richardson. 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. Denise Louise Richardson adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Dr. Denise Louise Richardson's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Richardson frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Richardson often consults with patients whose difficulty participating in family activities due to physical limitations significantly limits their enjoyment of focusing on their studies or work without constant pain distraction or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve reduced muscle spasms and improved range of motion and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• For those affected by their persistent low back pain making it hard to sit or stand for long, Dr. Richardson provides solutions that lead to finding non-pharmacological ways to manage their pain effectively. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to driving their car independently.
• Dr. Richardson provides dedicated support for patients going through their multiple sclerosis symptoms making it difficult to stay active, always aiming for positive outcomes like feeling heard and supported throughout their treatment journey, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as engaging in activities that bring them joy and a sense of purpose.
• With Dr. Richardson's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing difficulty with fine motor skills like writing or buttoning clothes is focused on achieving their sports injury healing properly, allowing a safe return to play. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to returning to their job or volunteer work without dental concerns.

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

Dr. Richardson's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Kingston, is situated in the Downtown Kingston, Queen's University Area, Sydenham Ward neighborhood of Kingston. The clinic is conveniently located near Via Rail Station (access) and is accessible via Kingston Transit. Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

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

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

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Richardson 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. Richardson are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral if required by the plan or clinic. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain types of injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees for materials or facility use. It's always best for patients to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

How is a Physiatrist different from an Orthopedic Surgeon or a Neurologist?

While all three specialties may deal with the musculoskeletal and/or nervous systems, their primary approaches differ. Orthopedic Surgeons are surgical specialists focused on operative treatment of bone, joint, and related soft tissue conditions. Neurologists are medical specialists who diagnose and treat diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, often primarily with medication or diagnostic procedures. Physiatrists like Dr. Richardson focus on optimizing function and quality of life through primarily non-surgical means, comprehensive rehabilitation planning, and managing disabilities across a spectrum of conditions. They often take a holistic view of how a condition impacts a patient's daily life and activities, coordinating multidisciplinary care.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Richardson is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities resulting from injury (e.g., sports injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury), illness (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis), or chronic pain. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Richardson at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Richardson will typically involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current symptoms, how these symptoms impact their daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Richardson will then perform a thorough physical examination, which may focus on the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, spine) and/or neurological system depending on the presenting problem. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT) or test results will be reviewed. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Richardson will discuss her diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with the patient to establish functional goals.

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

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

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

Dr. Richardson treats a variety of conditions, including: 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. Richardson focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

752 King Street West
Kingston, ON, K7L 4X3

Phone: (613) 544-4900

Dr. Denise Louise Richardson 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: 65157

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Richardson-Denise-Louise/0051178-65157

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Richardson. Dr. Richardson 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.