K.A. Kirsten Zapior – Physiotherapist | Thunder Bay, ON

K.A. Kirsten Zapior is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at MOVE Therapy in Thunder Bay, ON, Kirsten Zapior is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kirsten Zapior 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. Kirsten Zapior also provides specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents to address developmental delays, congenital conditions (like torticollis), orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and promote optimal motor function and participation. Kirsten Zapior serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

K.A. Kirsten Zapior completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2010). With extensive clinical experience, Kirsten Zapior is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kirsten Zapior has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Pediatric Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Kirsten Zapior empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Kirsten Zapior employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Kirsten Zapior offers consultations in English.

K.A. Kirsten Zapior provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Neurological

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Physiotherapy aimed at maximizing functional independence, mobility (e.g., transfers, wheelchair skills, ambulation if appropriate), strength, range of motion, and managing secondary complications (e.g., pain, spasticity, respiratory issues) for individuals with incomplete or specific types of spinal cord injuries. Often part of a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Individualized exercise programs (e.g., strength, aerobic, balance, flexibility), energy conservation techniques, and compensatory strategies tailored by a Neuro Physiotherapist for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Rehabilitation strategies tailored to the unique and often variable presentation of FND, working collaboratively with the patient to achieve their functional goals.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Helping individuals with Parkinson's Disease maintain mobility, functional independence, and safety, and improve their quality of movement and life.

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee that often starts gradually and worsens with continued activity, sometimes radiating up the thigh or down the leg.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), often resulting from running, jumping, or other repetitive impact activities, especially with sudden increases in training intensity or volume.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Knee discomfort frequently experienced by runners, cyclists, and those involved in activities with repetitive knee bending, which physiotherapy can effectively manage through exercise and biomechanical correction.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Stretching or tearing of ligaments (the strong, fibrous bands that connect bones to each other at joints) due to sudden force, twisting, overstretching, or impact. Common in sports involving jumping, cutting, pivoting, or collisions. Examples include ACL/MCL tears in the knee or common ankle sprains.

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.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• 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.

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. Kirsten Zapior can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Pediatric Physiotherapy (Infants, Children & Adolescents): Expert physiotherapy care for a wide range of pediatric physical challenges, promoting healthy movement and lifelong activity.
• Congenital Muscular Torticollis & Plagiocephaly (Flat Head) Treatment: Specialized physiotherapy care to help your baby achieve a centered head position, full neck range of motion, and optimal head shape development.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.

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

• Living with dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash doesn't have to be your norm. Kirsten Zapior applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts.
• Many find that difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain significantly impacts their ability to getting on and off the floor with ease. Kirsten Zapior helps patients target increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• At Kirsten Zapior's physiotherapy practice, individuals with trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip are guided towards achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again.
• When a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods, physiotherapy with Kirsten Zapior can help you work towards waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Kirsten Zapior practices at MOVE Therapy, located in the Fort William West (Westfort, Neebing) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to book an appointment, some extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It's crucial to check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment to understand their specific coverage requirements.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact MOVE Therapy or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

How can I book an appointment at MOVE Therapy?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (807) 577-6683 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at MOVE Therapy treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Pediatric Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Postural Assessment and Correction, Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

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 Ontarians. 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. It's strongly recommended to check your private/extended health insurance plan for coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

MOVE Therapy
768 North James Street
Thunder Bay, ON, P7C 5N3

Phone: (807) 577-6683

K.A. Kirsten Zapior 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: XXX05

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=7680336d-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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