Kristina Marie Saric – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Kristina Marie Saric is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Kristina Saric is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kristina Saric'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 Saric serves adults.

Kristina Marie Saric completed their degree in Physiotherapy from D'Youville University (Graduating Class of 2011). With clinical experience, Kristina Saric is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kristina Saric has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Kristina Saric's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hamilton community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; and a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Kristina Saric offers consultations in Croatian, English.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.

Neurological

• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises and techniques provided by a Physiotherapist to manage symptoms of facial palsy and support optimal recovery of facial muscle control.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy strategies to help manage common MS symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, spasticity, balance problems, walking difficulties, pain, and bladder dysfunction, aiming to maintain function, improve quality of life, and promote self-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. Kristina Saric can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• 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.

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

• Many find that experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy significantly impacts their ability to performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease. Kristina Saric helps patients target waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Rediscover your ability to taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day without the constant burden of knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run. Kristina Saric focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• For those whose a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) has made enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness seem like a distant memory, Kristina Saric's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Are you finding that recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) stops you from enjoying being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house? Kristina Saric is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Kristina Saric practices at Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital, situated in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near FirstOntario Centre and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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).

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.

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.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your initial visit is around an hour. Follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, but this can be adjusted based on your needs. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length.

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

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated and permits free movement. Shorts are ideal for lower body, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for upper body. Athletic wear is a good choice. A gown may be provided if needed.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. You might feel some discomfort or stretching, especially initially, but your Physiotherapist will adjust treatments to suit your comfort level. The goal is to make you feel better, not worse.

Hamilton Health Sciences - Hamilton General Hospital
237 Barton St. East
Hamilton, ON, L8L 2X2

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Kristina Marie Saric 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: XXX74

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=050407a4-9702-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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