Kirsti Willow Watson – Physiotherapist | Kanata, ON

Kirsti Willow Watson is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Evolution Physiotherapy in Kanata, ON, Kirsti Watson is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kirsti Watson's role involves 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. Kirsti Watson serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Kirsti Willow Watson completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2022). With clinical experience, Kirsti Watson is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kirsti Watson has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Kirsti Watson employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Kanata community through proactive physiotherapy; and maintaining a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Kirsti Watson offers consultations in English.

Kirsti Willow Watson provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• 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.
• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

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. Kirsti Watson 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.
• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.

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

• Kirsti Watson believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs is hindering your ability to reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain, a personalized plan focusing on improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics can make all the difference.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Kirsti Watson's clinic, common concerns like dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand). This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like taking group exercise classes at the community center.
• For those whose my child walking on their toes most of the time has made participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises seem like a distant memory, Kirsti Watson's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• With Kirsti Watson's help, managing recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) to achieve improved performance in work-related physical demands becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty.

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

Kirsti Watson practices at Evolution Physiotherapy, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Kanata neighborhood of Kanata, ON. 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.

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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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

In Ontario, you can usually see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is Evolution Physiotherapy's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy helps you move and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Evolution Physiotherapy treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also offer specialized services in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage; many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage.

Evolution Physiotherapy
436 Hazeldean Rd.,, Suite 200
Kanata, ON, K2L 1T9

Phone: (613) 271-5800

Kirsti Willow Watson 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: XXX18

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e62cba41-e927-ed11-9db1-0022486df36c

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