Kristy Elyse Commerford – Physiotherapist | Waterloo, ON

Kristy Elyse Commerford is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at MSK Centre - KW Orthopedic Assessment Clinic in Waterloo, ON, Kristy is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kristy's focus is addressing 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. Kristy serves adults.

Kristy Elyse Commerford completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2008). With extensive clinical experience, Kristy is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kristy has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Kristy's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; and promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Waterloo community through proactive physiotherapy. Kristy offers consultations in English.

Kristy Elyse Commerford provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• 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).
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

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. Kristy can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Kristy, 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 MSK Centre - KW Orthopedic Assessment Clinic, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Kristy frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Living with trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain doesn't have to be your norm. Kristy applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up.
• When my child walking on their toes most of the time is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending, physiotherapy with Kristy can help you work towards increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Are you finding that trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain stops you from enjoying feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings? Kristy is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve improved circulation and tissue healing through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Kristy's clinic, common concerns like feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty.

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

Kristy practices at MSK Centre - KW Orthopedic Assessment Clinic, located in the Waterloo East (Glenridge, Lincoln Heights) neighborhood of Waterloo. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Waterloo Park West Entrance and is easily accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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 contact the clinic. 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 Ontarians. 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's strongly recommended that you check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

MSK Centre - KW Orthopedic Assessment Clinic
435 King St N
Waterloo, ON, N2J 2Z5

Phone: (519) 603-0637

Kristy Elyse Commerford 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: XXX58

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=468ee05f-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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