Kathleen Wood – Physiotherapist | Guelph, ON

Kathleen Wood is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Defy Sports Performance & Physiotherapy in Guelph, ON, Katie Wood is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Katie Wood 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 Wood serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Kathleen Wood completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2022). With clinical experience, Katie Wood is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Katie Wood has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

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

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

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.

Arthritis

• 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. Katie Wood can assess your needs.

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak? Katie Wood develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience. This is key to helping you get back to doing performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Katie Wood can help you move beyond recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches. The focus is on better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting.
• Don't let recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery dictate what you can and cannot do. Katie Wood offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness, helping you reclaim being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms and enjoy a more functional life.
• Physiotherapy with Katie Wood can be a transformative turning point for those affected by a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns). The shared goal is achieving a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity, paving the way for you to enjoy playing in their competitive volleyball league again and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Katie Wood's practice at Defy Sports Performance & Physiotherapy is situated in the Westminster Woods, Pine Ridge neighborhood of Guelph. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Guelph and is accessible via Guelph Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Defy Sports Performance & Physiotherapy treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including but not limited to 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 Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional 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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

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.

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. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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

Bring your health card, any relevant medical information (doctor's referral, imaging reports), medication list, and insurance card (if applicable). Wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. Physiotherapists can assess movement, identify potential weaknesses, and provide personalized exercise programs to prevent future injuries and recurring pain.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The goal is to reduce pain. Some treatments might cause mild, temporary discomfort, but your Physiotherapist will work within your tolerance levels. Inform your therapist immediately if you experience notable pain.

Defy Sports Performance & Physiotherapy
8 - 225 Hanlon Creek Boulevard
Guelph, ON, N1C 0A1

Phone: (226) 780-2529

Kathleen Wood 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: XXX81

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=1f143a74-6249-ed11-bba1-0022486df36c

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