Caroline Rivard – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Caroline Rivard is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus in Ottawa, ON, Caroline Rivard is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Caroline Rivard 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. Caroline Rivard serves adults.

Caroline Rivard completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2008). With clinical experience, Caroline Rivard is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Caroline Rivard has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Caroline Rivard empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Caroline Rivard offers consultations in English, French.

Caroline Rivard 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): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.

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. Caroline Rivard can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Caroline Rivard, 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 Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Caroline Rivard frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Are you finding that an awkward gait or limping when I walk stops you from enjoying standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event? Caroline Rivard is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Caroline Rivard'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 waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids.
• When wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing managing their personal care routines independently, physiotherapy with Caroline Rivard can help you work towards feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Don't let my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking dictate what you can and cannot do. Caroline Rivard offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable, helping you reclaim simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Caroline Rivard practices at The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Little Italy (Corso Italia) 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 long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

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

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

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. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Therapeutic Heat Application, Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy), manual therapy, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Does The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment and always confirm your specific coverage details directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Key things to check include your annual maximum, per-visit limits or co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options. If direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion; you're responsible for any remaining balance. If not, we'll provide a receipt for your insurer. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment.

The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus
501 Smyth Rd.
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6

Phone: (613) 737-8899

Caroline Rivard 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: XXX82

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d81ee159-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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