Kirsten Amanda Richardson – Physiotherapist | Bracebridge, ON

Kirsten Amanda Richardson is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at BeWell Physiotherapy in Bracebridge, ON, Kirsten Richardson is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kirsten Richardson'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. Kirsten Richardson serves adults.

Kirsten Amanda Richardson completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2003). With extensive clinical experience, Kirsten Richardson is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kirsten Richardson has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

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

Kirsten Amanda Richardson provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• 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.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.

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): 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.

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. Kirsten Richardson can assess your needs.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• 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.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Kirsten Richardson to witness patients conquer managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease and experience a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again again.
• If feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems is preventing you from fully enjoying playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time, Kirsten Richardson offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• For those whose experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy has made getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts seem like a distant memory, Kirsten Richardson's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Kirsten Richardson frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio) and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match.

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

Kirsten Richardson practices at BeWell Physiotherapy, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Bracebridge neighborhood of Bracebridge. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

Does BeWell Physiotherapy offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, BeWell Physiotherapy offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. 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.

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. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Is there parking available at or near BeWell Physiotherapy?

Ample free patient parking is available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Please check for any time limits or restrictions.

BeWell Physiotherapy
204 Covered Bridge Trail
Bracebridge, ON, P1L 1Y3

Kirsten Amanda Richardson 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=e3b7faaf-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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