Kristina Leigh Plourde – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Kristina Leigh Plourde is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at UHN Toronto Rehab (Lyndhurst Centre) in Toronto, ON, Kristina Plourde is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kristina Plourde's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Kristina Plourde serves adults within the Toronto community.

Kristina Leigh Plourde completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Sacred Heart University (Graduating Class of 2005). With extensive clinical experience, Kristina Plourde is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kristina Plourde has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Kristina Plourde's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Kristina Plourde adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Kristina Plourde offers consultations in English.

Kristina Leigh Plourde provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.

Peripheral Nerve

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Physiotherapy focuses on improving balance, strength, sensation (where possible), reducing fall risk, managing pain, and providing education on foot care (especially for diabetic neuropathy) and adaptive strategies.

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 Plourde can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Baseline concussion testing (if offered by the clinic/practitioner) and evidence-based post-injury management to ensure a safe and effective recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Comprehensive assessment of your fall risk factors with individualized interventions, including balance exercises, strength training, gait re-training, and home safety advice to help you prevent falls.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Kristina Plourde, 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 UHN Toronto Rehab (Lyndhurst Centre), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Kristina Plourde frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Kristina Plourde believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity is hindering your ability to challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing, a personalized plan focusing on greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities can make all the difference.
• For those whose trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury has made attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation seem like a distant memory, Kristina Plourde's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Kristina Plourde's clinic, common concerns like feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day.
• Many find that pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies significantly impacts their ability to getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting. Kristina Plourde helps patients target a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Kristina Plourde practices at UHN Toronto Rehab (Lyndhurst Centre), located in the Leaside neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Yonge-Dundas Square and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required for your appointment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at UHN Toronto Rehab (Lyndhurst Centre) treat?

Physiotherapists at UHN Toronto Rehab (Lyndhurst Centre) treat a wide range of conditions. This includes musculoskeletal issues such as back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. They also have expertise in neurological physiotherapy, addressing conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. Specific services include postural assessment and correction, concussion management and rehabilitation, and comprehensive musculoskeletal assessments. Treatment approaches often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial part of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your physiotherapist will design a program tailored to your specific needs and abilities to help you manage your symptoms, accelerate your recovery, and improve your long-term health.

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

Some minor soreness after a session is normal. However, if your pain significantly increases, you experience new symptoms, or the discomfort doesn't improve within a day or two, contact the clinic immediately. Your physiotherapist will want to know so they can adjust your treatment plan.

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

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in certain situations, such as post-hospitalization for specific conditions or through community clinics, but eligibility criteria are strict. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant benefits for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans cover physiotherapy, either fully or partially. Contact your insurer before your first appointment to determine your coverage details, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options. If direct billing is available, we can often bill your insurance directly. Otherwise, we will provide a receipt for you to submit to your insurer.

UHN Toronto Rehab (Lyndhurst Centre)
520 Sutherland Dr.
Toronto, ON, M4G 3V9

Phone: (416) 597-3422

Kristina Leigh Plourde 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: XXX72

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=302dcae9-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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