Laura Anne Kirkwood – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Laura Anne Kirkwood is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, ON, Laura Kirkwood is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Laura Kirkwood focuses on 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. Laura Kirkwood serves adults.

Laura Anne Kirkwood completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 1979). With extensive clinical experience, Laura Kirkwood is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Laura Kirkwood has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Laura Kirkwood employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Laura Kirkwood empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Laura Kirkwood maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Laura Kirkwood offers consultations in English.

Laura Anne Kirkwood provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• 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: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.

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. Laura Kirkwood 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): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.

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

• Patients often come to Laura Kirkwood feeling defeated by feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics and resuming playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Tired of difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke interfering with sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort? Laura Kirkwood uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties and regain your freedom of movement.
• Laura Kirkwood believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) is hindering your ability to getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting, a personalized plan focusing on greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments can make all the difference.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Laura Kirkwood can help you move beyond persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady. The focus is on being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises.

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

Laura Kirkwood's practice at Joseph Brant Hospital is located in the Aldershot South neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Mapleview Shopping Centre and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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, even though a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private or 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.

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

Physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics are generally not covered by OHIP for most Ontarians. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in certain situations, such as after a hospital stay for specific conditions, for children and youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics. It is crucial to verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

How can I book an appointment at Joseph Brant Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 632-3737 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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.

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.

Joseph Brant Hospital
1245 Lakeshore Road
Burlington, ON, L7S 0A2

Phone: (905) 632-3737

Laura Anne Kirkwood 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: XXX37

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=56099a45-8902-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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