Kristen Elizabeth Jean Bolivar – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Kristen Elizabeth Jean Bolivar is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at ALPHA Health Services East in Toronto, ON, Kristen Blair is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kristen Blair 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. Kristen Blair serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Kristen Elizabeth Jean Bolivar completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2019). With clinical experience, Kristen Blair is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kristen Blair has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Kristen Blair promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Kristen Blair offers consultations in English.

Kristen Elizabeth Jean Bolivar provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• 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: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• 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.

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. Kristen Blair can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy and achieved reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease under the skilled care of Kristen Blair. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands with a new lease on life.
• Are you finding that an awkward gait or limping when I walk stops you from enjoying performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back? Kristen Blair is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• At Kristen Blair's physiotherapy practice, individuals with feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move are guided towards seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio). The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• Don't let my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking dictate what you can and cannot do. Kristen Blair offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, helping you reclaim participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Kristen Blair practices at ALPHA Health Services East, situated in the Danforth West, Riverdale neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Exhibition Place and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 Ontarians. 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/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Is there parking available at or near ALPHA Health Services East?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to our building. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

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.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal. 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 there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

ALPHA Health Services East
1 Bridgepoint Drive, Unit G 008
Toronto, ON, M4K 2N1

Phone: (647) 670-3454

Kristen Elizabeth Jean Bolivar 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: XXX79

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d906b648-1092-e911-a985-000d3af42a5a

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