Physiotherapy

Become Healthier, Stronger, and More Active With Physiotherapy

At Ottawa Health Group, physiotherapy helps patients recover from pain, injury, and movement limitations so they can get back to doing the things they love. Our approach focuses on pain relief, restoring mobility, and rebuilding strength through safe, evidence-based care.

Please Note: Physiotherapy services are currently available at our Downtown Ottawa location only.

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a personalized treatment approach designed to reduce pain, restore function, and improve long-term health. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:

• Hands-on manual therapy
• Therapeutic exercise and strengthening
• Dry needling and conditioning
• At-home movement programs

How Can It Help Me?

Physiotherapy may benefit you if you are:

• Recovering from surgery or injury
• Living with joint or muscle pain
• Managing arthritis, sports injuries, or chronic conditions
• Looking to improve strength, balance, or overall mobility

Our physiotherapists are movement specialists who assess how your body moves and build a custom plan to restore function. You’ll receive in-clinic treatments and simple, targeted exercises to continue progress at home.

What To Expect

Your first session includes a full assessment of mobility, range of motion, strength, and pain levels. From there, your physiotherapist creates a treatment plan tailored to your health goals and lifestyle.

The goal? Helping you move better, feel stronger, and live with less pain.

Ready to get started? Book your physiotherapy appointment today and begin your path toward improved health and wellness.

Physiotherapy FAQs

• What is physiotherapy?

  Physiotherapy is a medical, hands-on approach to relieving pain and restoring function. Physiotherapists are medical experts in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions and work closely with physicians. Our physiotherapists evaluate your movement patterns, identify the cause of your pain, and work to eliminate it.

  While every patient’s condition and pain is unique, our physiotherapist will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to relieve pain quickly and restore your function to optimum levels. The overall goal is to restore pain-free mobility and function and to prevent the injury or pain from recurring.

• How do I know if physiotherapy will help me?

  Working with you and your doctor, we can discuss your options and help determine if physiotherapy will be the right choice for you. Contact us today to discuss your current condition and even set up an appointment if you choose.

• Can I go to any physiotherapy I choose?

  As a patient you have the right to receive physiotherapy at any place you choose. At Ottawa Health Group, you will receive the highest quality care while achieving the results you need.  We pride ourselves on providing a positive, encouraging environment with well-trained, friendly staff. We are confident in our ability to help you reach your goals and live a pain-free life.

• How do I schedule an appointment?

  Our scheduling is easy and we offer a convenient location and appointment times for you. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Call us today or request an appointment.

• What should I bring to my first appointment?

  Please have your prescription and insurance card available when you call. This will allow us to verify your insurance benefits and provide you with an estimate of coverage.

  To bring on your first visit:

  • A prescription (if needed) for physiotherapy from your referring physician.
  • Insurance information (we will make a copy of your card).*
  • Print out the patient forms, fill them out, and bring them with you.* complete on-line option coming soon
  • In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, also bring any case manager or insurance adjuster contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork, so you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
  • Please wear or bring comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.

• Will it hurt?

  Physiotherapy is not meant to hurt, but to relieve pain. However, as you restore your mobility, pain levels, at times can fluctuate. You might experience some temporary soreness from using muscles that are weakened or recovering. This is a normal response to therapy treatment. Good communication with your therapist will help minimize any discomfort. We want you on your way to quick pain relief and back to normal activities.

• Does insurance cover my treatment?

  Yes, in most cases it does. Ottawa Health Group will be happy to assist in contacting your insurance company and determining your coverage based on your individual policy. For more information, visit our insurance plan page and please do not hesitate to contact our downtown Ottawa location or our west end Kanata, ON office. We do offer different payment options for your convenience.

• What if I don’t have insurance?

  For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a discounted fee, due at the time of service.

• What type of payment do you accept?

  We accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. We are happy to discuss payment plan options as well. It is our policy that payment is made at the time of service. Your insurance benefits will be determined before your second visit, and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is necessary on that date.

• What do I wear?

  Dress comfortably with clothes that allow easy access for the therapist to examine your problem areas. For treatments, loose fitting clothes that are comfortable for gentle exercises and supportive sneakers are often good choices to wear.

• How long will my therapy sessions last?

  Typically, the first session lasts for 1 hour. Each session after that may be 30 minutes. The amount of time will be based on your specific needs, and your therapist will discuss this with you.

• How many sessions will I have?

  Each patient’s diagnosis is different, so together with your referring physician, your therapist will develop a plan of care that is right for you. Your plan of care and number of visits will be determined during your first visit and explained to you by our physiotherapist.

• What types of education/training do your therapists have?

  Physiotherapists have years of university level training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (study of joint movement), neurology, and many of the other medical sciences. Our physiotherapists have graduated from accredited physiotherapy programs and are provincial licensed. Depending on the university, the physiotherapy program is either a masters or doctorate level degree. Rest assured, your therapist is well trained to evaluate and treat your condition.

• Do you offer programs for me once I’m better?

  Yes, we will work with you to determine if any additional preventative treatments are necessary and continued exercises that will be beneficial for your continued wellness.