Kathryn Marilyn Ikert

Kathryn Marilyn Ikert provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• 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.

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. Kathy can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• 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 Kathy, 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 Strathroy-Middlesex General Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Kathy frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Living with recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery doesn't have to be your norm. Kathy applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks.
• Many individuals seek help from Kathy, their physiotherapist, when a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like cycling longer distances with their cycling club.
• Are you finding that tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot stops you from enjoying spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain? Kathy is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Kathy can help you move beyond clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk. The focus is on being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.

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

Kathy practices at Strathroy-Middlesex General Hospital, situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Strathroy neighborhood of Strathroy. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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 our 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.

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

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact our clinic or your Physiotherapist directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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.

Strathroy-Middlesex General Hospital
395 Carrie St.
Strathroy, ON, N7G 3J4

Phone: (519) 245-5295

Kathryn Marilyn Ikert 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: XXX12

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6f1d8be1-8902-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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