Krista Marlene Steeves

Krista Marlene Steeves provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): An overuse injury resulting from repetitive friction of the IT band over the lateral femoral epicondyle (at the knee) or greater trochanter (at the hip).
• 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.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).

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. Krista can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• 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.
• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Krista can help you move beyond my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night. The focus is on a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work.
• If dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) is preventing you from fully enjoying playing in their competitive volleyball league again, Krista offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• It's truly rewarding for Krista to witness patients conquer my child walking on their toes most of the time and experience feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence again.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy? Krista works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain.

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

Krista practices at Bluewater Health, situated in the Central Sarnia, Downtown neighborhood of Sarnia. The clinic is conveniently located near Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery and is accessible via Sarnia Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is Bluewater Health'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 who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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 (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Does Bluewater Health 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. Please bring your insurance card/information and confirm your coverage details with your provider. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer coverage for physiotherapy. Contact your insurer before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics (annual maximum, per-visit limits, referral requirements, direct billing). We will provide an official receipt if direct billing is not possible.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best. Shorts are helpful for lower-body issues, and a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable for upper-body issues.

How can I book an appointment at Bluewater Health?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (519) 464-4400 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.

Bluewater Health
89 Norman St.
Sarnia, ON, N7T 6S3

Phone: (519) 464-4400

Krista Marlene Steeves 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: XXX65

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=73cfd696-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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