Kim Conrad Zarraga

Kim Conrad Zarraga provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): A common overuse injury in active individuals and athletes, sometimes referred to as 'runner's knee' or 'anterior knee pain', often related to biomechanical issues in how the kneecap tracks.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): An overuse injury affecting the lower leg, common in athletes, dancers, and military recruits, characterized by diffuse pain along the tibia.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): An overuse injury where the bone is unable to withstand repetitive mechanical loading, requiring a period of offloading and gradual rehabilitation guided by a physiotherapist for safe return to activity.

Common Msk

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.

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): 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.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Kim can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Kim. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

At Drayton Valley Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Kim frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• When swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout, physiotherapy with Kim can help you work towards a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Physiotherapy with Kim can be a transformative turning point for those affected by clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk. The shared goal is achieving improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction, paving the way for you to enjoy being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house and a more active, vibrant life.
• If a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck is preventing you from fully enjoying playing fetch with your dog in the park for an extended time, Kim offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Kim practices at the Drayton Valley Hospital, situated in the central neighborhood of Drayton Valley. The clinic is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access a comprehensive range of healthcare resources. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring that patients can attend their appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Does Drayton Valley Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, our clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. We recommend confirming your coverage in advance, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductibles, as plans can vary. If direct billing is not available for your specific insurance, we will provide you with a detailed official receipt that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. Please note that any remaining balance not covered by your insurance is the patient's responsibility.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Kim may use techniques such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, sustained pressures, and joint manipulations to help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, relax tight muscles, and enhance nerve function. These manual techniques are a key part of promoting better movement and recovery.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Drayton Valley Hospital treat?

Kim treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, muscle strains, joint problems such as arthritis, sports injuries, post-surgical recovery, and nerve-related pain. She also manages conditions like hip bursitis, tendinopathies, and post-injury rehabilitation, often utilizing therapies like therapeutic heat, laser, and patient education to help you achieve your goals.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Absolutely. Physiotherapy is not only about treating existing problems but also about preventing future issues. Kim can assess your movement patterns, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances, and develop personalized exercise programs to reduce your risk of injury and recurring pain. This proactive approach supports long-term musculoskeletal health, especially for athletes and active individuals.

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

If you experience a significant increase in pain, new neurological symptoms, or if soreness persists beyond 48 hours, contact Kim or the clinic promptly. Mild soreness is common initially but should subside. Adjustments to your treatment plan may be necessary to ensure safe and effective recovery.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

In Alberta, AHCIP provides limited coverage for certain physiotherapy services, generally after hospital discharge or for specific low-income or senior programs. Most outpatient physiotherapy at private clinics is not directly covered for the general population. It is advisable to verify your coverage with AHCIP and check your private extended health insurance plan for comprehensive coverage options.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in AB?

No, in Alberta, patients can access physiotherapy services directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. We recommend confirming your insurance requirements before your appointment to ensure coverage.

Drayton Valley Hospital
4550 Madsen Avenue
Drayton Valley, AB T7A 1N8

Phone: (780) 514-7141

Kim Conrad Zarraga is regulated by the Health Professions Act in AB and is a member of the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

License #8202

Registration can be verified with the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

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