Kirstie Leanne Gillanders – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Kirstie Leanne Gillanders is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Ottawa Physiotherapy and Sport Clinic - Westboro in Ottawa, ON, Kirstie Gillanders is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kirstie Gillanders'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. Kirstie Gillanders serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Kirstie Leanne Gillanders completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2013). With clinical experience, Kirstie Gillanders is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kirstie Gillanders has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Kirstie Gillanders has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Kirstie Gillanders offers consultations in English.

Kirstie Leanne Gillanders provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• 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): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Kirstie Gillanders can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Kirstie Gillanders, their physiotherapist, when difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio), empowering them to joyfully return to activities like standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.
• Are you finding that feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older stops you from enjoying simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions? Kirstie Gillanders is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• The path to recovery from post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery and achieving returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance for resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely often starts with expert guidance. Kirstie Gillanders, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Many find that trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts their ability to getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up. Kirstie Gillanders helps patients target experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Kirstie Gillanders practices at Ottawa Physiotherapy and Sport Clinic - Westboro, situated in the Westboro, McKellar Park, Laurentian View neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Dow's Lake Pavilion and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is there parking available at or near Ottawa Physiotherapy and Sport Clinic - Westboro?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. 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.

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. Always check your private insurance for coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

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. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Ottawa Physiotherapy and Sport Clinic - Westboro
347 Churchill Avenue North
Ottawa, ON, K1Z 5B8

Phone: (613) 728-4160

Kirstie Leanne Gillanders 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=3040567a-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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