Kristen Miki Shigeishi

Kristen Miki Shigeishi provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, cognitive difficulties (e.g., 'brain fog', memory issues), fatigue, and emotional changes. Post-Concussion Syndrome refers to symptoms persisting beyond the typical recovery window.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

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 Shigeishi can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Evidence-based neurological rehabilitation focused on harnessing neuroplasticity, motor learning principles, and task-specific training to help regain lost skills and adapt to new ways of moving.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Targeted exercises and strategies designed by your Physiotherapist to improve your stability, coordination, lower limb strength, and body awareness (proprioception), thereby reducing your risk of falls, particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with balance impairments.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Kristen Shigeishi, 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 Walk It Off Neuro-Recovery and Wellness Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Kristen Shigeishi frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• At Kristen Shigeishi's physiotherapy practice, individuals with recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee are guided towards enhanced ability to participate in social and community events. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks.
• When awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing, physiotherapy with Kristen Shigeishi can help you work towards restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• For those whose that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity has made carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably seem like a distant memory, Kristen Shigeishi's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly)? Kristen Shigeishi works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions.

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

Kristen Shigeishi practices at Walk It Off Neuro-Recovery and Wellness Centre, a reputable physiotherapy clinic in the Newmarket neighborhood of Newmarket. The clinic is conveniently located near Riverwalk Commons and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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. This is known as direct access. However, some extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

What is Walk It Off Neuro-Recovery and Wellness Centre'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.

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.

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.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private 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. Most people will need to rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy services in private clinics. It is essential to check your private insurance coverage.

Walk It Off Neuro-Recovery and Wellness Centre
Unit 7 -16775 Yonge Street
Newmarket, ON, L3V 8J4

Phone: (289) 340-0072

Kristen Miki Shigeishi 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: XXX90

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9333e3cb-ff66-ef11-a670-6045bd6084c7

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