Kristy Prystupa

Kristy Prystupa provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.

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.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Kristy can assess your needs.

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Kristy. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

At Lifemark (Grande Prairie), 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:

• Struggling with the frustration of pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints)? Kristy develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle. This is key to helping you get back to doing competing effectively in your curling league games with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Kristy believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain is hindering your ability to safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace, a personalized plan focusing on improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain can make all the difference.
• Tired of loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury interfering with running your usual 5k route without knee pain? Kristy uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Kristy practices at Lifemark (Grande Prairie), situated in the heart of Central Grande Prairie in the Mountview and Swanavon neighborhoods. The clinic is conveniently located near Revolution Place (formerly Bonnetts Energy Centre), making it easy for patients to access. The facility is well-connected by Grande Prairie Transit, providing public transportation options for those who prefer not to drive. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

In Alberta, AHCIP provides limited coverage for some physiotherapy services, typically after hospital discharge or for specific low-income individuals and seniors through particular programs. Most outpatient private clinic physiotherapy is not directly covered by AHCIP for the general population. Patients are advised to check current AHCIP details and their private insurance plans for coverage options.

What if 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. It is recommended to contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand your specific coverage. Important aspects to verify include your annual maximum, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a referral is needed, and if the clinic can bill your insurer directly. If direct billing is available and your plan permits, Kristy can often bill your insurance directly, and you would only pay any remaining co-payment at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment.

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

In Alberta, patients can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession focusing on restoring movement and function affected by injury, illness, or disability. It also emphasizes injury prevention and long-term wellness. Techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, education, and advice empower individuals to manage their health and reach their physical goals.

Lifemark (Grande Prairie)
201, 11601 101 Avenue
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3X9

Kristy Prystupa is regulated by the Health Professions Act in AB and is a member of the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

License #6443

Registration can be verified with the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

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