Dr. Karen E. Barsness is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Abundant Life Chiropractic in Kitchener, ON, she is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) standards. With a focus on providing comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment, Dr. Barsness addresses a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, emphasizing spinal health and overall well-being. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual.
She completed her Doctor of Chiropractic from Parker University. With extensive clinical experience, Dr. Barsness is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based chiropractic practices. Her dedication ensures that her treatments are grounded in current research and best practices, providing her patients with effective and safe care.
Dr. Barsness adopts a holistic approach to health, understanding the connection between the spine, nervous system, and overall vitality. She emphasizes individualized care plans designed to help her patients achieve their health goals and improve their quality of life. She offers care in English, ensuring clear communication and personalized attention for her diverse patient community.
Dr. Karen E. Barsness provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Back & Spine Conditions
- Low Back Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic): A common ailment causing pain, muscle tension, or stiffness in the lower back, ranging from a dull ache to sharp, debilitating pain, impacting daily activities.
- Herniated, Protruded, or Bulging Discs (Symptomatic): Non-surgical approaches to manage symptoms associated with spinal disc injuries, focusing on reducing nerve irritation and promoting a healing environment.
- Facet Joint Syndrome / Facet Pain: Treatment for facet joint irritation or 'locking,' aiming to restore normal joint mechanics and reduce associated pain and stiffness.
Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) of the Upper Limb: Management of RSIs affecting the upper extremities by addressing tissue irritation, improving biomechanics, and providing ergonomic recommendations.
- Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Issues, Impingement, Bursitis): Addressing common causes of shoulder pain such as rotator cuff strains, tendinopathy, subacromial impingement, or inflammation of the bursa.
Specific Populations & Injury Types
- Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions (e.g., Growing Pains, Postural Concerns): Gentle chiropractic care for infants, children, and adolescents, focusing on issues like non-specific growing pains, postural imbalances, recovery from minor sports injuries, or concerns related to spinal development, using age-appropriate techniques.
- Work-Related Injuries (RSI, Lifting Injuries): Treatment and prevention strategies for injuries related to occupational tasks, including ergonomic advice and rehabilitation to support a safe return to work.
- Postpartum Musculoskeletal Issues: Helping new mothers recover optimal musculoskeletal function and comfort in the postpartum period.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Barsness can assess your needs.
- Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A specific set of exercises designed by your chiropractor to help you recover faster and stay healthy.
- PNF Stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation): Advanced stretching techniques that involve both stretching and contracting muscle groups to quickly achieve greater flexibility and range of motion.
- Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Improving your body's flexibility through targeted stretches for tight muscle groups.
- Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Comprehensive care for athletes including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries, with strategies to enhance performance and prevent future injuries.
- Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Exercises: Exercises based on the principles of DNS to improve movement quality and core stability.
- Core Stability & Strengthening Programs: Developing core strength and endurance to protect your spine during daily activities.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Barsness. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.
All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO).
At Abundant Life Chiropractic, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Barsness frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- For those whose painful thumbs or wrists making tasks difficult has made feeling the freedom of long motorcycle rides on open roads a challenge, Dr. Karen offers a path towards a marked decrease in episodes of dizziness or vertigo, leading to greater confidence. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
- Dr. Karen understands how frustrating feeling 'jammed up' in my spine can be. By aiming for improved core stability, leading to better support for their spine and reduced strain, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like spending hours gardening and landscaping without pain the next day with renewed confidence.
- Overcoming that annoying crick in my neck to achieve increased flexibility throughout their spine, allowing for easier movement and resume operating machinery or tools with precision, safely and efficiently is a common success story at Dr. Karen's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
- Patients often share how elbow tendonitis from overuse affected their ability to enjoyably cooking and meal prepping healthy food for the week. With Dr. Karen's help and a focus on accomplishing physical goals they once thought were out of reach, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Barsness, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Barsness practices at Abundant Life Chiropractic, situated in the Central Frederick, Midtown neighborhood of Kitchener. The clinic is conveniently located near Victoria Park and is easily accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT), including bus routes and the ION Light Rail. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- Do chiropractors provide exercises or stretches?
- Definitely. While adjustments are a core part of chiropractic care, most Chiropractors also incorporate rehabilitative exercise and stretching into their treatment plans. These are designed to support the effects of your adjustments, correct muscle imbalances, and empower you to manage your condition effectively.
- What does a chiropractor mean by a 'subluxation' or 'joint restriction'?
- In chiropractic, a 'vertebral subluxation' or 'joint restriction' (also sometimes called a joint dysfunction) refers to a spinal or extremity joint that has lost its normal position or motion. This can irritate surrounding nerves, muscles, and other tissues, potentially leading to pain, inflammation, reduced mobility, or other symptoms. The goal of a chiropractic adjustment is to correct these restrictions and restore proper joint function.
- Is it safe to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
- Chiropractic care during pregnancy is generally considered safe and can be very effective for managing common musculoskeletal complaints such as back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and sciatica that often arise due to hormonal changes and shifting biomechanics. Chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women and use modified adjustment techniques and specialized tables or pillows to ensure the comfort and safety of both mother and baby. Some chiropractors, like Dr. Barsness, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in ON?
- Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals in Ontario, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients should check their individual insurance policies for specifics.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Generally, OHIP does not cover chiropractic services in private clinics for most residents. There may be very limited exceptions through specific government programs or if care is delivered within a Community Health Centre or Family Health Team that has integrated chiropractic services. It is advisable to verify coverage with private insurance providers and check current policies.
- What is chiropractic care and how can it help me?
- Essentially, chiropractic care helps your body move and function better. Your Chiropractor will assess your spine and other joints for restrictions or misalignments that might be causing pain or affecting your nervous system. Through precise adjustments and other treatments, they aim to improve your mobility, reduce pain, and enhance your overall well-being, allowing you to get back to your daily activities.
Abundant Life Chiropractic
228 Frederick St.
Kitchener, ON N2H 2M8
Phone: (519) 593-2311
Dr. Karen E. Barsness is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Chiropractic Act, 1991 in ON and is a member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO).
Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO): https://cco.ca.thentiacloud.net/webs/cco/register/?t=1#/registrant/all/all/all/all/all/all/3180/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcf031
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.