Carolyn Patricia Anne James – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Carolyn Patricia Anne James is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Canada Post Corporation in Ottawa, ON, Carolyn is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Carolyn focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Carolyn serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring her approach to meet each individual's unique needs and goals.

Carolyn Patricia Anne James completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Mohawk College (Graduating Class of 1988). With extensive clinical experience, Carolyn is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Carolyn has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Carolyn's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Carolyn employs a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Carolyn consistently utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Carolyn offers consultations in English.

Carolyn Patricia Anne James provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• 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.
• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Pain felt around, under, or behind the kneecap (patella), often described as a dull ache that is aggravated by activities like running, jumping, squatting, using stairs (especially going down), or prolonged sitting with the knee bent.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): A common cause of lateral knee pain in athletes, often linked to training errors, muscle imbalances (e.g., weak hip abductors), or poor biomechanics, which physiotherapy aims to address.

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. Carolyn can assess your needs.

• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Carolyn's clinic, common concerns like recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness.
• It's truly rewarding for Carolyn to witness patients conquer that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit and experience enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations again.
• The journey to reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas when faced with persistent swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment is made smoother and more effective with Carolyn's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match.
• Patients struggling with trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip can find dedicated and compassionate support from Carolyn. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.

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

Carolyn's practice at Canada Post Corporation is located in the Federal Government Buildings (Parliamentary Precinct, Tunney's Pasture) neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Carleton University and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

What is Canada Post Corporation's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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

Patients in Ontario 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. It is strongly recommended that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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 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 that you check your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

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.

Canada Post Corporation
2701 Riverside Drive
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0B1

Phone: (613) 734-3000

Carolyn Patricia Anne James 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: XXX46

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=59760e61-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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