Cara Ann Cutaia – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Cara Ann Cutaia is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Proactive Athlete in Burlington, ON, Cara Cutaia is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Cara Cutaia'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. Cara Cutaia serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Cara Ann Cutaia completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Canberra (Graduating Class of 2017). With clinical experience, Cara Cutaia is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Cara Cutaia has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Cara Cutaia empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Cara Cutaia offers consultations in English.

Cara Ann Cutaia provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.

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. Cara Cutaia 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Cara Cutaia, 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 The Proactive Athlete, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Cara Cutaia frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Physiotherapy with Cara Cutaia can be a transformative turning point for those affected by pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies. The shared goal is achieving enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications, paving the way for you to enjoy operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work and a more active, vibrant life.
• It's truly rewarding for Cara Cutaia to witness patients conquer frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders and experience improved performance in work-related physical demands. 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.
• Struggling with the frustration of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk? Cara Cutaia develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery. This is key to helping you get back to doing playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Tired of trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip interfering with walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness? Cara Cutaia uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Cara Cutaia practices at The Proactive Athlete, situated in the Headon Forest, Palmer neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Brant Street Pier and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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. It's essential to check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

What are The Proactive Athlete's operating hours?

The Proactive Athlete is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (905) 632-2728 or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

How can I book an appointment at The Proactive Athlete?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 632-2728 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.

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.

The Proactive Athlete
3018 New Street, Unit 3
Burlington, ON, L7N 1M5

Phone: (905) 632-2728

Cara Ann Cutaia 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: XXX31

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=bf7bf43e-099f-e811-8173-480fcff40721

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