Carla Selwan – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Carla Selwan is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Performance Sports Therapy in Ottawa, ON, Carla Selwan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Carla Selwan 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. Carla Selwan serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Carla Selwan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2007). With extensive clinical experience, Carla Selwan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Carla Selwan has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Carla Selwan employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy; and utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Carla Selwan offers consultations in Arabic, English, French.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

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. Carla Selwan can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• 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.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Carla Selwan's clinic, common concerns like dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand). This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises.
• Patients often come to Carla Selwan feeling defeated by clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines and resuming swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Rediscover your ability to returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun without the constant burden of recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement. Carla Selwan focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• For those whose knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run has made easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips seem like a distant memory, Carla Selwan's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Carla Selwan's practice at Performance Sports Therapy is situated in the Vanier North, Carson Grove, Forbes neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Rideau Centre 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 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 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.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Performance Sports Therapy
5-5303 Canotek Rd
Ottawa, ON, K1J 9M1

Phone: (613) 742-1230

Carla Selwan 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: XXX27

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=21ba4600-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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