Business Details
11 Years
experience
Expert Hand & Shoulder Physiotherapy in Winnipeg
East City Physio was founded in 2015 by Krista Paulson and Leah Bima, who began their professional journey together during physiotherapy training at the University of Manitoba in 2002. Our team of five physiotherapists brings nearly 90 years of combined clinical experience, specializing in hand-to-shoulder rehabilitation. We are committed to delivering evidence-based, client-centred care that prioritizes one-on-one treatment in a compassionate environment. Our expertise includes manual therapy, custom splinting, and advanced therapeutic modalities, supported by ongoing professional development and certifications such as Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).We focus on maximizing functional independence and quality of life for patients of all ages, backed by a proven track record of clinical excellence and community engagement. Our clinic stands out as one of the few private practices in Manitoba offering serial casting and custom splint fabrication, reflecting our dedication to innovative solutions for complex conditions.
Services
Manual Therapy
Therapeutic Exercise
Graded Motor Imagery
Sensory Re-education
Acupuncture
Ultrasound Therapy
TENS/IFC
NMES
Custom Splinting
Sports Rehabilitation
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We have over 90 years of combined clinical experience in hand and shoulder therapy.
- Our team includes Certified Hand Therapists with advanced postgraduate training.
- We offer personalized one-on-one care in a compassionate, client-centred environment.
- We utilize advanced therapeutic modalities like ultrasound, acupuncture, and NMES.
- We provide custom splinting and sports rehabilitation tailored to individual needs.
Associations and certifications
- Hand Therapy Certification Commission
Services
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue release to improve mobility and reduce pain. Our physiotherapists have advanced training through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association's Orthopedic Division. This service addresses musculoskeletal conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
Custom Splinting
Custom splinting provides tailored support for hand and upper extremity injuries, using materials suited to individual needs. Our clinic specializes in serial casting and splint design, ensuring optimal recovery for conditions like fractures, tendon repairs, and contractures. Most extended health plans cover this specialized service.
Graded Motor Imagery
Graded Motor Imagery is a neuroscience-based approach to treat chronic pain and movement disorders. This service combines laterality training, imagined movements, and mirror therapy to retrain the brain's response to injury. It's particularly effective for complex regional pain syndrome and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Sports Rehabilitation
Sports rehabilitation addresses injuries from recreational or professional athletic activities. Our therapists design sport-specific exercise programs and return-to-play protocols for conditions like shoulder impingement, rotator cuff repairs, and wrist fractures. The service integrates strength training and functional movement analysis.
Sensory Re-education
Sensory re-education restores normal sensation after nerve injuries through targeted stimulation techniques. This service treats symptoms like numbness, tingling, and hypersensitivity using texture discrimination, temperature adaptation, and desensitization protocols. Therapists address both peripheral and central nervous system impairments.
People
Krista Paulson
Physiotherapist & Co-Founder
Krista Paulson is a Certified Hand Therapist with over 15 years of clinical experience. She holds a Master of Science in Rehabilitation and has received awards for her mentorship in the physiotherapy community. Her expertise includes treating upper extremity fractures and wrist sprains.
Leah Bima
Physiotherapist & Co-Founder
Leah Bima specializes in shoulder rehabilitation and has mentored physiotherapy students at the University of Manitoba. She received the Leonore Saunders Award for professional excellence and focuses on conditions like rotator cuff repairs and tendonitis.
Julie Scarlett
Physiotherapist
Julie Scarlett brings international experience and 25+ years of clinical expertise. Certified in hand therapy since 2010, she has coached multiple sports teams and specializes in wrist injuries and overhead athlete shoulder rehabilitation.
Matthew Thiessen
Physiotherapist
Matthew Thiessen combines pediatric physiotherapy leadership with hand therapy expertise. A former Sport Physiotherapy Canada treasurer, he focuses on hand fractures and elbow injuries while advocating for pediatric hemophilia awareness.
Caitlin Andrews
Physiotherapist
Caitlin Andrews specializes in geriatric rehabilitation and is a certified hand therapist candidate. With over 6 years as a physiotherapy aide, she focuses on rotator cuff tendinopathies and wrist fractures while pursuing advanced clinical training.
Questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for physiotherapy?
No referral is required, but check with your insurance provider for reimbursement requirements.
Does Manitoba Health cover private physiotherapy?
Manitoba Health does not cover private clinic physiotherapy services.
Which insurance providers do you direct bill to?
We direct bill to Chamber of Commerce, Great West Life, WCB, MPI, Sunlife, and others.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring physician referrals, insurance details, Manitoba Health card, and wear appropriate clothing.
Do you offer custom splinting services?
Yes, we fabricate custom splints for hand and upper extremity conditions.
What assessment tools do you use?
We use goniometry, dynamometry, sensory testing, and edema measurement tools for precise evaluations.
