Karina Jackson Occupational therapist FR Make an appointment
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Frequently asked questions

Your questions, my answers.

Pelvic health, hand therapy, maternal health, and what to know before getting started. Can't find what you're looking for? Send me an email or submit a website inquiry. A free 15-minute introductory call is also available upon request.

Karina Jackson seated on a white sofa in a bright room, smiling, with wooden shelves, plants and a large monstera

01

Pelvic health

My pelvic health page

I'm not pregnant or postpartum. Can I still benefit from occupational therapy?

Absolutely! Whether you're dealing with pelvic floor concerns unrelated to the perinatal period, hand and wrist pain, recovery from recent hand surgery, or chronic pain in your upper extremities, I offer personalized assessments and treatment programs just for you.

Is it only for women?

I welcome everyone for hand therapy services. My pelvic health service focuses on women and people with a vulva, reflecting my training and clinical experience in this area. If you're looking for men's pelvic health services, I'm happy to help connect you with a provider who works in this area.

Can occupational therapy help if I live with endometriosis?

Yes. Occupational therapy takes a holistic approach to endometriosis, focused on your quality of life: pain management strategies (breathing, mindfulness, tracking your symptoms, nervous system regulation, a plan for flare-ups), adjustments to your activities and workspace, and support with the emotional side of living with a chronic condition.

Read my article on endometriosis

Is there an internal exam?

I don’t perform internal pelvic floor assessments. My approach focuses on understanding how your symptoms affect your daily life, including your breathing, movement, habits, and nervous system. If an internal assessment would be helpful for your care, I can connect you with another trusted pelvic floor therapist.

How I work in pelvic health

Do I have to talk about my intimate life?

Only if you choose to. We go at your pace, and your safety comes first: my approach is trauma-informed.

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Hand therapy

My hand therapy page

What conditions do you work with in hand therapy?

I work with conditions such as:

  • De Quervain's tenosynovitis
  • Crush injury
  • Fractures
  • Arthritis
  • Ligament sprains
  • Skier's thumb
  • Mallet finger
  • Trigger finger
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Tendonitis
  • Sports injury
Do you also work with the elbow and shoulder?

For the elbow, I work with tennis elbow and golfer's elbow, but no other elbow issues. I don't work with the shoulder.

Is hand and wrist pain common during pregnancy and postpartum?

Yes, hand and wrist pain during pregnancy and postpartum can be common due to hormonal changes, fluid retention, and increased stress on these areas. I offer tailored interventions to meet the specific challenges and needs of mothers and birthing people during this transformative period.

Read my article “The Rule of Thumb”

Do you make custom splints?

Yes, I make them myself, at my office on William Street. For example, a custom-made splint can keep the thumb and wrist in a neutral position and support you during activities that may aggravate your symptoms. It's part of hand therapy, along with a comprehensive assessment, wound and scar care, personalized exercise programs, movement retraining, and advice for adapting your activities.

How does occupational therapy help during pregnancy and postpartum?

I support you during pregnancy and postpartum in optimizing your daily routines, addressing issues like pain management, ergonomics, and self-care to enhance your transition into motherhood and beyond.

I have muscle pain from breastfeeding. How can occupational therapy help?

I start by assessing your unique situation. Through personalized interventions, I teach optimal breastfeeding posture, assess the ergonomics of your environment, and show you effective body mechanics to reduce strain. My recommendations may include supportive devices, stretching and strengthening exercises, pain management strategies, and consulting a lactation consultant as needed.

Can I bring my baby, and how soon can I come?

Yes, your baby is welcome. You can come as soon as you feel the need after the birth. Some physical or manual interventions may have to wait until your 6-week postnatal follow-up with your doctor.

Postpartum recovery

When should I consider C-section prenatal classes?

Understanding C-sections and preparing for recovery is beneficial for all expectant parents, whether the C-section is planned or unplanned. Familiarity with a cesarean birth empowers you to make informed decisions, easing the physical and mental recovery. Being informed allows for emotional readiness, better postpartum planning, and increased partner involvement. It's also important to have proactive discussions with your primary care provider about your birth plan.

How does the C-section birth class work?

Privately, at my office on William Street, or online if you ask. The session lasts 60 minutes, and your partner can come with you.

What the class covers

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Before getting started

All the ways to reach me My approach

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy is a regulated healthcare profession that supports your well-being by helping you participate in the everyday activities that matter to you. This includes self-care, work, leisure, bladder and bowel function, and intimacy. OT helps you build skills, adapt routines, and find practical strategies to make daily life easier and more fulfilling.

What is the free 15-minute call for?

It's there to find out, before you book, whether occupational therapy can help you. Not sure where to start? That's exactly what it's for. Call me at 514 500-1185, or write to me to set it up. What we cover is listed at the bottom of the page.

How long is a session? Do you offer virtual sessions?

Sessions usually last 60 minutes, for both the initial assessment and follow-ups. When appropriate, however, 30-minute sessions may be enough, especially in hand therapy.

Virtual sessions are available upon request.

Are occupational therapy services covered by insurance?

RAMQ doesn't cover services from my private practice. Occupational therapy may, however, be covered by your private plan: check your coverage and reimbursement limits with your insurer.

Do you accept CNESST or SAAQ clients?

I am not affiliated with the CNESST or SAAQ. These are government insurance programs that may cover claims related to workplace injuries or motor vehicle accidents.

If you have an open claim, you can check with your case manager to see whether you can receive services from me. Please note that the approval process can involve lengthy wait times. I’m happy to work with you! However, I do not communicate or coordinate directly with the CNESST or SAAQ, so you would be responsible for submitting any claims and arranging reimbursement yourself. Depending on your coverage, you may also need to pay some or all of the service fees out of pocket.

Do I need a medical referral to see you?

No medical referral is needed to see me. However, depending on your insurer, a medical referral may be required to be reimbursed for services or for a custom-made splint. It's up to you to check the requirements with your insurer.

Do you see clients in English and French?

Yes. You can talk and write to me in English or French, whichever you're most comfortable with.

Who reads my messages?

I do, and only me. Messages from the form and your emails come straight to my inbox, and no one else reads them. I reply to emails within 24-48 hours. To protect your privacy, keep health details for our call.

Where is your office?

At 1744 William Street, Suite 310, in Montréal. View availability on GoRendez. Other times available upon request.

The nearest metro station is Georges-Vanier (Orange Line). Both paid and free street parking are available in the surrounding area. There is no parking available within the building. The building has an elevator to the third floor, where the office is located.

Get directions in Google Maps

Make an appointment

Let's start with a free 15-minute call.

Karina Jackson's face, smiling

Karina JacksonI'm the one who answers, in English or French.

To better understand how occupational therapy can help you, before a first appointment. During this call, we will discuss:

  • your specific challenges and goals
  • what the assessment entails
  • possible treatment options
  • any other concerns you may have
  • the next steps
514 500-1185 contact@otwithkarina.com
1744 William Street, Suite 310
Montréal, Quebec H3J 1R4
Directions in Google Maps

HoursView availability on GoRendez. Other times available upon request.

Services provided through my private practice are not covered by RAMQ. However, occupational therapy may be covered by private health insurance plans. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and reimbursement limits.

Write to me

I'll get back to you to set up the call.

What brings you here

To protect your privacy, please don't describe your health situation in detail here: we'll talk about it on the phone.

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