Kristina Lucie Pek – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Kristina Lucie Pek is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa, ON, Kristina Pek is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kristina Pek focuses on providing 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. Kristina Pek serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Kristina Lucie Pek completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2009). With extensive clinical experience, Kristina Pek is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kristina Pek has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Kristina Pek employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Kristina Pek promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Kristina Pek offers consultations in Czech, English, and French.

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

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): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Sports Injury

• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Acute pain, swelling, bruising, localized tenderness, and weakness in a muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or throwing.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Knee discomfort frequently experienced by runners, cyclists, and those involved in activities with repetitive knee bending, which physiotherapy can effectively manage through exercise and biomechanical correction.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): An overuse injury affecting the lower leg, common in athletes, dancers, and military recruits, characterized by diffuse pain along the tibia.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): A common cause of lateral knee pain in athletes, often linked to training errors, muscle imbalances (e.g., weak hip abductors), or poor biomechanics, which physiotherapy aims to address.

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 Pek can assess your needs.

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.

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

• Kristina Pek believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work is hindering your ability to working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness, a personalized plan focusing on being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again can make all the difference.
• When that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain, physiotherapy with Kristina Pek can help you work towards feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Kristina Pek frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.
• With Kristina Pek's help, managing dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash to achieve feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.

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

Kristina Pek practices at Queensway Carleton Hospital, situated in the Bells Corners, Lynwood Village neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the National Arts Centre (Southam Hall entrance) and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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 private clinic coverage.

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 there parking available at or near Queensway Carleton Hospital?

Ample parking is available at Queensway Carleton Hospital. Please check signage for specific locations and any fees that may apply.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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 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.

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 (direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your appointment.

Queensway Carleton Hospital
3045 Baseline Rd.
Ottawa, ON, K2H 8P4

Phone: (613) 721-2000

Kristina Lucie Pek 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: XXX57

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9371f8c5-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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