Krista Susanne Johnston – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Krista Susanne Johnston is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, ON, Krista Johnston is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Krista Johnston focuses on 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. Krista Johnston serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Krista Susanne Johnston completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2005). With extensive clinical experience, Krista Johnston is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Krista Johnston has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Krista Johnston employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Krista Johnston maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Krista Johnston empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Krista Johnston offers consultations in English.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• 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).

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.

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 Johnston 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.

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

• The journey to understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term when faced with persistent my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking is made smoother and more effective with Krista Johnston's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness.
• Patients struggling with recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery can find dedicated and compassionate support from Krista Johnston. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot and achieved less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function under the skilled care of Krista Johnston. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache with a new lease on life.
• For those whose a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) has made sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play seem like a distant memory, Krista Johnston's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Krista Johnston practices at the Hospital for Sick Children, located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Gooderham Building (Flatiron) and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Does Hospital for Sick Children offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While Hospital for Sick Children does not offer direct billing, we provide detailed official receipts that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. 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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral (direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is Hospital for Sick Children'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.

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 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 coverage for services in private clinics.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your initial physiotherapy visit will be around an hour long. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed depends on many factors. After your initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will give you a better idea. We will regularly review your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Ave.
Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-6755

Krista Susanne Johnston 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: XXX30

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=dd73331e-8e02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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