Cara Laurel Racicot – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Cara Laurel Racicot is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Capital Strength Training Systems in Ottawa, ON, Cara Racicot is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Cara Racicot 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. Cara Racicot serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

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

Cara Racicot employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Cara Racicot offers consultations in English.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.

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 Racicot can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.

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

• The journey to greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities when faced with persistent an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak is made smoother and more effective with Cara Racicot's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness.
• Many find that recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist significantly impacts their ability to attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events. Cara Racicot helps patients target being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Cara Racicot frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms.
• Patients often come to Cara Racicot feeling defeated by needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience and resuming comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Cara Racicot practices at Capital Strength Training Systems, situated in the Alta Vista, Rideauview neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Confederation Square and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 waitlists may apply. Always check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical 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.

Capital Strength Training Systems
2190 Thurston Drive
Ottawa, ON, K1G 6E1

Phone: (613) 738-4747

Cara Laurel Racicot 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: XXX86

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=95829a86-6ee8-e911-a812-000d3af427b4

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