Kimberly-Ann Bell – Physiotherapist | Fergus, ON

Kimberly-Ann Bell is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus, ON, Kim Bell is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kim Bell's focus is 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. Kim Bell serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

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

Kim Bell employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Kim Bell empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Kim Bell adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Kim Bell offers consultations in English.

Kimberly-Ann Bell provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

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. Kim Bell can assess your needs.

• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• 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: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.

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

• Tired of swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment interfering with shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back? Kim Bell uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio) and regain your freedom of movement.
• Kim Bell believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity is hindering your ability to hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter, a personalized plan focusing on much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls can make all the difference.
• Don't let trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip dictate what you can and cannot do. Kim Bell offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment, helping you reclaim operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work and enjoy a more functional life.
• If experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy is preventing you from fully enjoying feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings, Kim Bell offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Kim Bell's practice is located at Groves Memorial Community Hospital, in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Fergus neighborhood of Fergus. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

How can I book an appointment at Groves Memorial Community Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (519) 843-2010 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Does Groves Memorial Community Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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 Groves Memorial Community Hospital or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Is there parking available at or near Groves Memorial Community Hospital?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Always check signs for time limits or restrictions.

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 do 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 and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Groves Memorial Community Hospital
235 Union St. E.
Fergus, ON, N1M 1W3

Phone: (519) 843-2010

Kimberly-Ann Bell 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: XXX48

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=7d8dafcc-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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