Carol Jean Banens – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Carol Jean Banens is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Neurologic Physiotherapy in Ottawa, ON, Carol Banens is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Carol Banens's practice focuses on 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. Carol Banens serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Carol Jean Banens completed their degree in Physiotherapy from West Middlesex University Hospital (Graduating Class of 1986). With extensive clinical experience, Carol Banens is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Carol Banens has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Carol Banens empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Carol Banens employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Carol Banens promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Carol Banens offers consultations in English.

Carol Jean Banens provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.

Post Surgical

• 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-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-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.

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. Carol Banens can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.

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

• Living with that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity doesn't have to be your norm. Carol Banens applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up.
• Patients struggling with post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery can find dedicated and compassionate support from Carol Banens. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.
• Many find that that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder significantly impacts their ability to taking group exercise classes at the community center. Carol Banens helps patients target enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions) with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Tired of needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity interfering with competing effectively in their curling league games? Carol Banens uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Carol Banens practices at Neurologic Physiotherapy, situated in the Bells Corners, Lynwood Village neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Dow's Lake and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

How can I book an appointment at Neurologic Physiotherapy?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (613) 721-2738 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.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

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.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Neurologic Physiotherapy or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Neurologic Physiotherapy
31 Northside Rd., Suite 201
Ottawa, ON, K2H 8S1

Phone: (613) 721-2738

Carol Jean Banens 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=412244a8-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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