Dr. Pierre Joseph Kirwin – Pain Management Specialist / Physical Therapist | North York, ON

Dr. Pierre Joseph Kirwin is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at Sault Area Hospital in North York, ON, Dr. Kirwin is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Kirwin is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the medical profession in ON. As a certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (also known as a Physiatrist), Dr. Kirwin focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The goal is to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities.

Dr. Pierre Joseph Kirwin earned a Medical Degree in 1986. Subsequently, Dr. Kirwin completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Kirwin brings valuable clinical experience to their practice. Dr. Kirwin's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Kirwin is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. Kirwin's medical practice philosophy include: a patient-centered approach, focusing on individual goals and maximizing functional independence; a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in rehabilitation techniques; empowering patients through education about their condition and active participation in their treatment plan. Dr. Kirwin provides consultations in English.

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Pierre Joseph Kirwin addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Chronic Widespread Pain: Developing strategies to cope with and reduce the burden of chronic widespread 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.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Addressing various causes of back and neck discomfort through physiatric assessment and treatment.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Helping patients manage the symptoms of various arthritic conditions affecting mobility and quality of life.
• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Care for conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, trochanteric bursitis, and Achilles tendonitis.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Treating localized muscle pain and trigger points characteristic of myofascial pain syndrome.

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.

Neurological Conditions

• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation strategies to improve mobility, balance, gait, and performance of daily activities for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Addressing disorders of the peripheral nervous system to reduce discomfort and prevent complications.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Kirwin, 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: Facilitating communication and collaboration among various therapists and specialists involved in a patient's care.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Multidisciplinary approach to manage concussion and post-concussion syndrome, as well as more severe TBI outcomes.
• Management of Back & Neck Pain: Comprehensive care for spinal disorders, focusing on pain relief, functional restoration, and prevention of recurrence.
• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Performing and interpreting Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) to assess nerve and muscle function and diagnose neuromuscular disorders.
• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Creating multidisciplinary treatment strategies involving therapies, assistive devices, and lifestyle modifications to optimize recovery and function.

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

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

• Many people seek Dr. Kirwin's professional help and expertise when dealing with struggling with everyday tasks like dressing or cooking due to severe arthritis pain. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently successfully adapting to using an assistive device or prosthesis, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to reducing their dependence on mobility aids if possible and desired.
• Dr. Kirwin's comprehensive care for their child having movement difficulties due to cerebral palsy or another condition is meticulously designed to result in being able to perform daily self-care tasks independently again. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as managing their personal errands and appointments independently without dental worries.
• Are you struggling with losing function in their legs after a spinal cord injury? Dr. Kirwin partners with patients to target a noticeable improvement in their posture and body mechanics, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as participating in their favorite sports or fitness activities a much more achievable reality.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Kirwin to see patients who were troubled by their child not meeting developmental milestones related to movement successfully achieve their pain being accurately diagnosed and effectively treated. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like bending down or kneeling without severe discomfort.

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

Dr. Kirwin's practice, Sault Area Hospital, is situated in a central location within the North York neighborhood of North York. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Kirwin is a medical doctor (physician) specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing 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 quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities 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.

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

In ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Kirwin for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Kirwin 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 EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Kirwin 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. Kirwin 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.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Kirwin at Sault Area Hospital?

Your first visit with Dr. Kirwin will typically involve a comprehensive assessment including a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, how these symptoms impact your daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Kirwin 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 evaluation, Dr. Kirwin will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

How often will I need to see Dr. Kirwin for follow-up appointments?

The frequency of follow-up appointments will depend on the nature of your condition, the specific treatment plan, and your progress. Initially, visits might be more frequent to monitor response to treatment or adjust medications/therapies. As your condition stabilizes or improves, follow-ups may become less frequent, focusing on long-term management, prevention, and ensuring functional goals are maintained. Dr. Kirwin will recommend a follow-up schedule tailored to your needs.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Kirwin 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. Kirwin are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided you have 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. Inquire with Sault Area Hospital about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and check with your 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 diagnose and treat diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, often primarily with medication or diagnostic procedures. Physiatrists like Dr. Kirwin 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 are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Kirwin treats?

Dr. Kirwin treats diverse conditions such as 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. Kirwin focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

Sault Area Hospital
2065 Finch Avenue West
North York, ON, M3N 2V7

Phone: (416) 745-2314

Dr. Pierre Joseph Kirwin 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: 56903

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Kirwin-Pierre-Joseph/0042925-56903

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