Kristen R. Carter – Physiotherapist | Petawawa, ON

Kristen R. Carter is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Petawawa Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic in Petawawa, ON, Kristen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kristen addresses 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 serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Kristen R. Carter completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2009). With clinical experience, Kristen R. Carter is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kristen R. Carter has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Kristen empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; Kristen employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Kristen R. Carter offers consultations in English.

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

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.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• 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.

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Restoring spinal function, core stability, and body mechanics post-operatively, ensuring a safe progression back to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.

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): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

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.

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• 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.

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 Petawawa Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, 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:

• The path to recovery from that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity and achieving improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors for being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children often starts with expert guidance. Kristen, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Patients struggling with trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain can find dedicated and compassionate support from Kristen. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as running their usual 5k route without knee pain.
• Are you finding that a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck stops you from enjoying setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports? Kristen is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Kristen believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If an awkward gait or limping when I walk is hindering your ability to going on birdwatching outings in various terrains, a personalized plan focusing on a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery can make all the difference.

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

Kristen practices at Petawawa Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Petawawa neighborhood of Petawawa. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. 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 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. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

What are Petawawa Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

Bring your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), imaging test results, a medication list, and your extended health benefits information (if applicable) for direct billing. Wear comfortable clothes.

Petawawa Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic
3025 Petawawa Blvd., Unit 7
Petawawa, ON, K8H 1X9

Phone: (613) 687-9081

Kristen R. Carter 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: XXX39

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9dab46fb-8f02-e811-813f-480fcff40721

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