Sara Beth Winzinowich – Physiotherapist | Kenora, ON

Sara Beth Winzinowich is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora, ON, Sara Winzinowich is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sara Winzinowich's role involves 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. Sara Winzinowich also addresses 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. Sara Winzinowich serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Sara Beth Winzinowich completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Manitoba (Graduating Class of 2023). With clinical experience, Sara Winzinowich is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sara Winzinowich has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy.

Sara Winzinowich empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Sara Winzinowich employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Sara Winzinowich has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Sara Winzinowich offers consultations in English.

Sara Beth Winzinowich provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Physiotherapy focuses on improving balance, strength, sensation (where possible), reducing fall risk, managing pain, and providing education on foot care (especially for diabetic neuropathy) and adaptive strategies.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Symptoms such as localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by mechanical compression or irritation of peripheral nerves at specific anatomical sites (entrapment points).

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

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. Sara Winzinowich can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• 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.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• 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.

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

• The journey to noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks when faced with persistent recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) is made smoother and more effective with Sara Winzinowich's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.
• With Sara Winzinowich's help, managing that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity to achieve enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips.
• Tired of dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) interfering with dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations? Sara Winzinowich uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health and regain your freedom of movement.
• Many find that persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady significantly impacts their ability to sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort. Sara Winzinowich helps patients target feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Sara Winzinowich practices at Lake of the Woods District Hospital, situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Kenora neighborhood of Kenora. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Lake of the Woods District Hospital or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

What are Lake of the Woods District Hospital's operating hours?

Lake of the Woods District Hospital is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call their office or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

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.

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. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, you will receive an official receipt to submit to your insurer.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy in physiotherapy encompasses hands-on interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use techniques to reduce pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve nerve mobility. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations.

Lake of the Woods District Hospital
21 Sylvan St. West
Kenora, ON, P9N 3W7

Phone: (807) 468-9861

Sara Beth Winzinowich 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: XXX97

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9acd5872-d7b0-ef11-8a69-002248b08e41

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