Alana Diane McCulloch-Auld – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Alana Diane McCulloch-Auld is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Premier Physiotherapy in Ottawa, ON, Alana McCulloch-Auld is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Alana McCulloch-Auld's focus is addressing 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. Alana McCulloch-Auld serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Alana Diane McCulloch-Auld completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2019). With clinical experience, Alana McCulloch-Auld is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Alana McCulloch-Auld has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Alana McCulloch-Auld's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Alana McCulloch-Auld offers consultations in English.

Alana Diane McCulloch-Auld provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.

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): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

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. Alana McCulloch-Auld can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Alana McCulloch-Auld, 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 Premier Physiotherapy, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Alana McCulloch-Auld frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Alana McCulloch-Auld believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity is hindering your ability to simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions, a personalized plan focusing on a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities can make all the difference.
• It's truly rewarding for Alana McCulloch-Auld to witness patients conquer frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders and experience getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air again.
• At Alana McCulloch-Auld's physiotherapy practice, individuals with pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard are guided towards a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout.
• Physiotherapy with Alana McCulloch-Auld can be a transformative turning point for those affected by pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints). The shared goal is achieving enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation, paving the way for you to enjoy going on birdwatching outings in various terrains and a more active, vibrant life.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Alana McCulloch-Auld, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Alana McCulloch-Auld practices at Premier Physiotherapy, situated in the Blackburn Hamlet, Beacon Hill neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Arts Court and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Does Premier Physiotherapy offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Premier Physiotherapy offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. However, please always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. 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. If Premier Physiotherapy offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Always check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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.

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.

Premier Physiotherapy
2450 Lancaster Rd, Unit 41
Ottawa, ON, K1B 5N3

Phone: (613) 736-7800

Alana Diane McCulloch-Auld 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: XXX68

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d783f6f8-23e9-e911-a812-000d3af4346a

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