Karolin Eva Puhl

Karolin Eva Puhl provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• 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.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.

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): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

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): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

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. Kari can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Kari, 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 Active Care Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Kari frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Physiotherapy with Kari can be a transformative turning point for those affected by swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment. The shared goal is achieving feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries, paving the way for you to enjoy challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing and a more active, vibrant life.
• With Kari's help, managing sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica to achieve a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands.
• It's truly rewarding for Kari to witness patients conquer trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip and experience feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks again.
• The path to recovery from that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder and achieving feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began for attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation often starts with expert guidance. Kari, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Kari practices at Active Care Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Fort Erie neighborhood of Fort Erie, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

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. Always check your private insurance for coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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 Active Care Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre 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 ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your initial physiotherapy visit will be around an hour long. Follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, but this can be adjusted based on your needs. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length.

How can I book an appointment at Active Care Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (289) 320-9600 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness is normal. However, if your pain significantly worsens, you develop new concerning symptoms, or the discomfort doesn't settle within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist can offer guidance and adjust your care plan.

Active Care Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre
484 Garrison Road
Fort Erie, ON, L2A 1N2

Phone: (289) 320-9600

Karolin Eva Puhl 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: XXX69

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f2d0876a-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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