Catherine Louise Lafontaine – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Catherine Louise Lafontaine is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa, ON, Catherine Lafontaine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Catherine Lafontaine 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. Catherine Lafontaine serves adults.

Catherine Louise Lafontaine completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 1994). With extensive clinical experience, Catherine Lafontaine is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Catherine Lafontaine has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Catherine Lafontaine empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Catherine Lafontaine maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Catherine Lafontaine offers consultations in English, French.

Catherine Louise Lafontaine 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): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.
• 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): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.
• 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.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.

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. Catherine Lafontaine can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.

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

• For those whose dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) has made spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain seem like a distant memory, Catherine Lafontaine's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• When difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing driving for longer periods without neck or back pain, physiotherapy with Catherine Lafontaine 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.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Catherine Lafontaine can help you move beyond recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement. The focus is on greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions.
• Living with working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery doesn't have to be your norm. Catherine Lafontaine applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back.

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

Catherine Lafontaine practices at Queensway Carleton Hospital, situated in the Bells Corners, Lynwood Village neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the University of Ottawa and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What are Queensway Carleton Hospital's operating hours?

Queensway Carleton Hospital is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the hospital or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions varies greatly. It depends on factors like the nature and severity of your condition, its duration, your goals, your body's response to therapy, and your adherence to home exercises. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment plan after your initial assessment and re-evaluate your progress.

Queensway Carleton Hospital
3045 Baseline Rd.
Ottawa, ON, K2H 8P4

Phone: (613) 721-2000

Catherine Louise Lafontaine 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: XXX81

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b6155162-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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