Kelly Arlene Schmitt – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Kelly Arlene Schmitt is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Joseph's Health Care - London in London, ON, Kelly is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kelly addresses 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. Kelly serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Kelly Arlene Schmitt completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 1991). With extensive clinical experience, Kelly is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kelly has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Kelly's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Kelly adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Kelly offers consultations in English.

Kelly Arlene Schmitt provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.

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. Kelly can assess your needs.

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• 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: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Kelly, 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 St. Joseph's Health Care - London, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Kelly frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Kelly can help you move beyond wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night. The focus is on greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as cycling longer distances with their cycling club.
• Rediscover your ability to dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks without the constant burden of numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs. Kelly focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Kelly frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.
• Physiotherapy with Kelly can be a transformative turning point for those affected by feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems. The shared goal is achieving achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small, paving the way for you to enjoy attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Kelly practices at St. Joseph's Health Care - London, situated in the Downtown London, North London East neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Byron Area and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 St. Joseph's Health Care - London 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 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.

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 require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at St. Joseph's Health Care - London treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like 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, Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy, Therapeutic Ultrasound Application, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal. 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.

St. Joseph's Health Care - London
268 Grosvenor Street, P.O. Box 5777
London, ON, N6A 4V2

Phone: (519) 646-6001

Kelly Arlene Schmitt 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: XXX13

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=cc6fb2c6-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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