Kate Simonds – Physiotherapist | Barrie, ON

Katie Simonds is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at KT Physiotherapy in Barrie, ON, Katie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Katie 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. Katie serves adults.

Katie Simonds completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2009). With extensive clinical experience, Katie is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Katie has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Katie's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Barrie community through proactive physiotherapy. Katie adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Katie demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Katie offers consultations in English.

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

Arthritis

• 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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• 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.

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. Katie can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.

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

• If difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke is preventing you from fully enjoying sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort, Katie offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Katie's clinic, common concerns like trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back.
• It's truly rewarding for Katie to witness patients conquer wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night and experience sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness again.
• Katie believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort is hindering your ability to swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation, a personalized plan focusing on improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics can make all the difference.

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

Katie practices at KT Physiotherapy, situated in the Letitia Heights, Sunnidale neighborhood of Barrie. The clinic is conveniently located near Sadlon Arena (formerly Barrie Molson Centre) and is accessible via Barrie Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at KT Physiotherapy treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. Katie's expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy allows her to effectively address many of these concerns. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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. This is known as direct access. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. 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. You should check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

How can I book an appointment at KT Physiotherapy?

You can book an appointment by calling KT Physiotherapy during business hours or by checking their website for online booking options. Their friendly reception team will be happy to assist you.

KT Physiotherapy
15 Cuthber St.
Barrie, ON, L4N 6X8

Kate Simonds 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: XXX94

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=728f186d-4539-e811-8143-480fcff44541

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