Karly Hellstrom – Physiotherapist | Sudbury, ON

Karly Hellstrom is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist). Practicing at Advantage Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic in Sudbury, ON, Karly Hellstrom is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Karly Hellstrom's focus is 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. Karly Hellstrom serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Karly Hellstrom completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2024). With clinical experience, Karly Hellstrom is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Karly Hellstrom has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

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

Karly Hellstrom provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Gentle and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation following spinal surgery (e.g., for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spinal fusion), initiated once cleared by your surgeon, to improve mobility, core strength, posture, reduce pain, and safely return to daily activities.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• 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.

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. Karly Hellstrom can assess your needs.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Karly Hellstrom, 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 Advantage Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Karly Hellstrom frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Karly Hellstrom feeling defeated by trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment and resuming cycling longer distances with their cycling club becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• If hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side is preventing you from fully enjoying doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain, Karly Hellstrom offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• The path to recovery from wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night and achieving restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks for participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises often starts with expert guidance. Karly Hellstrom, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• At Karly Hellstrom's physiotherapy practice, individuals with shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult are guided towards reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours.

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

Karly Hellstrom practices at Advantage Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, situated in the New Sudbury neighborhood of Sudbury. The clinic is conveniently located near Cambrian College and is accessible via GOVA Transit (Greater Sudbury Transit). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Advantage Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require a doctor's referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly advised to check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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 of the population. 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 is strongly advised to check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Advantage Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic
2141 Lasalle Blvd. Building A, Unit F
Sudbury, ON, P3A 2A3

Phone: (705) 566-7200

Karly Hellstrom 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: XXX75

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=5bdebbf6-9e64-ef11-a670-0022483c9e3b

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