Paul Brendan Kirk – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Paul Brendan Kirk is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Health & Rehab Centre in St. Catharines, ON, Paul Kirk is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Paul Kirk'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. Paul Kirk serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Paul Brendan Kirk completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Florida Gulf Coast University (Graduating Class of 2016). With extensive clinical experience, Paul Kirk is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Paul Kirk has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Paul Kirk employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Paul Kirk offers consultations in English.

Paul Brendan Kirk provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.
• 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.
• 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.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.

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. Paul Kirk can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• 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.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• 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: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Paul Kirk, 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 Niagara Health & Rehab Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Paul Kirk frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• At Paul Kirk's physiotherapy practice, individuals with soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise are guided towards improved performance in work-related physical demands. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• Are you finding that an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak stops you from enjoying reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches? Paul Kirk is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve enhanced ability to participate in social and community events through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Patients struggling with hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side can find dedicated and compassionate support from Paul Kirk. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness.
• Patients often come to Paul Kirk feeling defeated by managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey and resuming spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Paul Kirk practices at Niagara Health & Rehab Centre, a reputable physiotherapy clinic in the St. Catharines neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

How can I book an appointment at Niagara Health & Rehab Centre?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (289) 362-3600 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.

Niagara Health & Rehab Centre
23 Hannover Dr, Unit 3A
St. Catharines, ON, L2W 1A3

Phone: (289) 362-3600

Paul Brendan Kirk 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: XXX61

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=cb6d4abc-fea3-ee11-a568-6045bd60d5c0

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