Kristen L. Jensen – Physiotherapist | Kitchener, ON

Kristen L. Jensen is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, ON, Kristen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kristen provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Kristen serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.

Kristen L. Jensen completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 1999). With extensive clinical experience, Kristen is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kristen has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Kristen's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Kristen adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Kristen works collaboratively with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Kristen offers consultations in English.

Kristen L. Jensen provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Localized bone pain that typically worsens with activity and is relieved by rest, often accompanied by tenderness to touch over the affected bone.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Injuries like a 'twisted ankle', 'knee ligament injury', or 'shoulder separation' (AC joint sprain) sustained during athletic activity or accidental falls.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee that often starts gradually and worsens with continued activity, sometimes radiating up the thigh or down the leg.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.

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 can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• 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.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.

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

• With Kristen's help, managing knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run to achieve a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• Struggling with the frustration of swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment? Kristen develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching. This is key to helping you get back to doing pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Tired of feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort interfering with getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts? Kristen uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations and regain your freedom of movement.
• Patients struggling with working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery can find dedicated and compassionate support from Kristen. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.

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

Kristen practices at Grand River Hospital, located in the Stanley Park East, Centreville neighborhood of Kitchener. The clinic is conveniently located near Centre In The Square and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How can I book an appointment at Grand River Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (519) 749-4300 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.

Does Grand River Hospital 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 according to your plan. 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.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

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.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Grand River Hospital
3570 King St. E., P.O BOX 9056
Kitchener, ON, N2A 2W1

Phone: (519) 749-4300

Kristen L. Jensen 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: XXX84

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e3f9006d-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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