Physiotherapy

Discover How You Can Become Healthier, Stronger, and More Active With Physiotherapy

A healthy, strong, and active lifestyle is what everyone strives for. However, it is not always easy to obtain, especially for those suffering from chronic pain. The very thought of going out and exercising with your aches and pains may leave you feeling uncomfortable. However, there is, fortunately, a simpler solution to gaining the active lifestyle you desire. Physiotherapy can help you achieve optimum levels of health and fitness, all while reducing your pain. If you are looking for a healthier, stronger, and more active lifestyle, request an appointment at Ottawa Health Group today!

***Please be advised that we are currently only offering physiotherapy services at the downtown location.***

How do I begin?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle takes work, but once you get into the groove of it, it becomes much easier. For example, eating nutritious foods is one of the easiest ways to improve your health (although we know those sweets are hard to kick.) Physical activity is the hardest aspect to get in the habit of doing, especially if you are being held back by chronic pain. Some people try to mask their symptoms with anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications, while others, unfortunately, give up on the idea of being active altogether. Luckily, there is an alternative option: physiotherapy.  With the help of a physiotherapist, it is possible to reclaim your pain-free, healthy lifestyle, and get back to doing the activities you love.

What exactly is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is generally comprised of three important phases: pain relief, strengthening, and functional integration. Some people are apprehensive toward physiotherapy because they believe it will hurt them, however, the opposite is usually true. Physiotherapy is aimed at pain relief and strengthening, and your physiotherapist will make sure that your treatment plan won’t bring you any pain or discomfort. This is achieved through a multitude of treatment services, including dry needling, hands-on therapy, exercises, strength, and conditioning, etc.

An active lifestyle is also dependent upon movement. Your physiotherapist will cater to your treatment plan around specific movements designed to increase your strength, flexibility, balance, and overall mobility. He or she will assist you with many of these exercises, but will also provide some simple ones that can be done at home. 

The end result of physiotherapy is living the life you want, free from painful limitations. That can only happen when you apply the concepts you learn from your treatments to the outside world. Your physiotherapist is as dedicated as you are, and will encourage you to achieve all the goals you set forth in the beginning.

How will physiotherapy help me?

The purpose of physiotherapy remains the same, no matter what you are seeking its services for. Perhaps you are still suffering from the lingering pain of a past injury or an injury from a sporting event that is affecting your performance or stopping you entirely. Perhaps you are recovering from surgery and trying to get your range of motion back. Perhaps your joints simply aren’t what they used to be, and you are looking for relief. Perhaps you want to simply improve your overall strength and wellness or condition yourself for a new activity.  Whatever the case may be, physiotherapists are dedicated to relieving your pain, improving your overall wellness and getting you back to your peak level of physical health.

Our physiotherapists are movement specialists, educated in analyzing mobility issues with walking, running, jumping, bending, stretching, and almost every other form of physical activity. Our hands-on physiotherapy approach can allow the physiotherapist to pinpoint problem areas and create a customized treatment plan aimed at improving those areas. Through in-office sessions and at-home exercises, patients strengthen their muscles and joints, improve their balance, build endurance, and experience pain relief, all without the unwanted harmful risks of drugs or surgery. 

What should I expect?

Everyone has different needs based on the conditions of their bodies. There is no cookie-cutter approach to health and wellness, as one treatment plan may not work the same for one person as it would for another. Your physiotherapist will work closely with you to evaluate your mobility, balance, range of motion, and severity of pain. Your physical goals will also be taken into account when creating your treatment plan, as well as any health risks that may be holding you back. At your initial evaluation, you may be asked to perform basic movements, such as sitting down, standing up, walking, lifting, stretching, or other motions. Once your physiotherapist has a clear picture of what you need, he or she will begin constructing a treatment plan to help relieve your pain and achieve your goals. 

In the end, an active lifestyle is more than possible, even if you struggle with chronic pain. If you are looking to improve your health, strength, and physical activity, look no further – we are here to help. Contact the Ottawa Health Group to request your appointment with a physiotherapist and get started on your journey toward better 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.