Kristina Chylo Folsom Chavez – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Kristina Chylo Folsom Chavez is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Pediatric Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University in Hamilton, ON, Kristina "KC" Chavez is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kristina "KC" Chavez's role involves providing specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents to address developmental delays, congenital conditions (like torticollis), orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and promote optimal motor function and participation. Kristina "KC" Chavez employs a collaborative approach, working closely with each patient and their family to create a treatment plan that best suits their individual needs and goals.

Kristina Chylo Folsom Chavez completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2011). With extensive clinical experience, Kristina "KC" Chavez is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kristina "KC" Chavez has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Pediatric Physiotherapy, ensuring she stays at the forefront of advancements in the field and can offer the most effective and up-to-date treatments to her young patients.

Kristina "KC" Chavez's practice philosophy centers around a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Kristina "KC" Chavez believes in empowering her patients and their families with knowledge and tools to manage their conditions effectively, both during and after treatment. Kristina "KC" Chavez offers consultations in English, Spanish.

Kristina Chylo Folsom Chavez provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.
• 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.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.

Pediatric

• Developmental Delays (Gross Motor Skills): Helping babies and young children catch up on their physical developmental milestones, improve coordination, strength, and balance for successful participation in play and daily activities.
• Toe Walking (Idiopathic / Habitual): Persistent walking on the toes or balls of the feet in young children, without a known underlying medical or neurological cause (idiopathic toe walking), often developing as a habit after initially learning to walk.

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. Kristina "KC" Chavez can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Kristina "KC" Chavez, 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 Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Kristina "KC" Chavez frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from Kristina "KC" Chavez, their physiotherapist, when difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.
• Tired of swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment interfering with using garden tools effectively and without pain? Kristina "KC" Chavez uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort and regain your freedom of movement.
• Patients struggling with pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) can find dedicated and compassionate support from Kristina "KC" Chavez. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Kristina "KC" Chavez's clinic, common concerns like needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.

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

Kristina "KC" Chavez practices at Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University, situated in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Mohawk College (Fennell Campus) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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 individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

How can I book an appointment at Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 521-2100 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.

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

Bring: 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. Wear comfortable clothes.

What is Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University's appointment cancellation policy?

We request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments. Contact the clinic as soon as possible if you need to make changes.

Does Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact the clinic directly to confirm their direct billing capabilities and which insurance providers they accept. Bring your insurance card/information and confirm your coverage details with your provider.

Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University
1200 Main St. W.
Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Kristina Chylo Folsom Chavez 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: XXX47

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=5d9b1fc1-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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