Audrée Brookes – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Audrée Brookes is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at University of Ottawa Heart Institute in Ottawa, ON, Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey) is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey)'s focus is managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. This involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey) serves adults.

Audrée Brookes completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 1996). With extensive clinical experience, Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey) is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey) has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey)'s practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey) employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. There is a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey) offers consultations in English, French.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

Cardioresp

• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Aiding your recovery, promoting heart health, and helping you achieve an active lifestyle after a cardiac condition through a structured physiotherapy component of cardiac rehab.
• Post-Pneumonia / Respiratory Infection Recovery: Physiotherapy to aid your recovery from serious respiratory illnesses and their lingering effects on your breathing and overall physical capacity.

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. Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey) can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey), 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 University of Ottawa Heart Institute, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey) frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey) frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• Living with that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work doesn't have to be your norm. Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey) applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly)? Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey) works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands.
• Are you finding that hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side stops you from enjoying going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again? Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey) is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey), will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Audrée Brookes (when patients find my first name difficult to pronounce, I tell them they can call me Audrey)'s practice at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute is situated in the Hintonburg, Civic Hospital, Westboro East neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Parliament Buildings and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How can I book an appointment at University of Ottawa Heart Institute?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (613) 696-7000 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

Is there parking available at or near University of Ottawa Heart Institute?

Ample paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to the building. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you and modify treatments to suit your comfort.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This depends on many factors. After your initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions. We will regularly review your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

University of Ottawa Heart Institute
40 Ruskin Street
Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4W7

Phone: (613) 696-7000

Audrée Brookes 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: XXX88

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d6ce0fc4-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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