Andrew Walker – Physiotherapist | Kanata, ON

Andrew Walker is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Vitality Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre Kanata Lakes in Kanata, ON, Andrew Walker is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Andrew Walker addresses 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. Andrew Walker serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Andrew Walker completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Robert Gordon University (Graduating Class of 2022). With clinical experience, Andrew Walker is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Andrew Walker has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Andrew Walker promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Kanata community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Andrew Walker offers consultations in English.

Andrew Walker provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.

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. Andrew Walker can assess your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Andrew Walker, 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 Vitality Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre Kanata Lakes, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Andrew Walker frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Andrew Walker feeling defeated by needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort and resuming getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Patients struggling with persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady can find dedicated and compassionate support from Andrew Walker. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time.
• At Andrew Walker's physiotherapy practice, individuals with frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders are guided towards less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.
• Struggling with the frustration of difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy? Andrew Walker develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury. This is key to helping you get back to doing comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Andrew Walker, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Andrew Walker's practice at Vitality Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre Kanata Lakes is situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Kanata neighborhood of Kanata. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

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 Ontarians. 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. Always check your private insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Vitality Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre Kanata Lakes treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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. Contact your insurer before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics (annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options). If Vitality Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre Kanata Lakes offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can bill your insurer directly. Otherwise, we will provide a receipt for you to submit to your insurer.

What is Vitality Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre Kanata Lakes's appointment cancellation policy?

We kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments.

Vitality Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre Kanata Lakes
3 - 5100 Kanata Avenue
Kanata, ON, K2K 0P1

Phone: (613) 604-8569

Andrew Walker 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: XXX78

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=21d9dd28-12df-ee11-904c-002248aea35b

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