Karen Patricia Pries – Physiotherapist | Kenora, ON

Karen Patricia Pries is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Firefly- Physical, Emotional, Developmental and Community Services in Kenora, ON, Karen Pries is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Karen Pries's practice focuses on addressing 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. Karen Pries also focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Karen Pries also serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Karen Patricia Pries completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Manitoba (Graduating Class of 2015). With clinical experience, Karen Pries is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Karen Pries has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Karen Pries employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Karen Pries demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Karen Pries offers consultations in English.

Karen Patricia Pries provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Neurological

• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Physiotherapy as a key component of a multidisciplinary approach for Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND), focusing on movement retraining, normalizing movement patterns that may be abnormal (e.g., tremor, weakness, gait disturbance, dystonia), and improving functional abilities.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy addressing physical impairments following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or acquired brain injury (ABI), including issues with balance, coordination, strength, mobility, spasticity, endurance, and cognitive-physical integration.

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. Karen Pries can assess your needs.

• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Karen Pries, 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 Firefly- Physical, Emotional, Developmental and Community Services, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Karen Pries frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Tired of recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) interfering with attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events? Karen Pries uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities and regain your freedom of movement.
• Rediscover your ability to walking their children to school or the park without the constant burden of pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies. Karen Pries focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Patients often come to Karen Pries feeling defeated by trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term and resuming engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Karen Pries can help you move beyond managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease. The focus is on a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day.

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

Karen Pries practices at Firefly- Physical, Emotional, Developmental and Community Services, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Kenora neighborhood of Kenora. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Is there parking available at or near Firefly- Physical, Emotional, Developmental and Community Services?

Ample free patient parking is available directly in front of and beside the building. Look for the designated patient spots.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics (annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options). If Firefly- Physical, Emotional, Developmental and Community Services offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You'll be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing isn't possible, we'll provide a receipt for your insurer.

Firefly- Physical, Emotional, Developmental and Community Services
820 Lakeview Drive
Kenora, ON, P9N 3P7

Phone: (807) 467-5437

Karen Patricia Pries 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: XXX92

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=14a95dab-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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