Cindy Appleby – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Cindy Appleby is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa, ON, Cindy is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Cindy focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence.

Cindy Appleby completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2011). With clinical experience, Cindy Appleby is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Cindy Appleby has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Cindy's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Cindy Appleby offers consultations in English.

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

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

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. Cindy can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Tailored physiotherapy including gentle exercise prescription (e.g., aquatic therapy, graded aerobic exercise), pain management education, activity pacing strategies, stress reduction techniques, and gentle manual therapies for individuals living with fibromyalgia or other widespread pain conditions.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Personalized physiotherapy programs designed to reduce the impact of chronic pain on your life, helping you to gradually increase activity levels and re-engage in meaningful activities.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Cindy, 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. Cindy frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The path to recovery from difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy and achieving a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being for feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings often starts with expert guidance. Cindy, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• It's truly rewarding for Cindy to witness patients conquer difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain and experience improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up again.
• Cindy frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.
• For those whose trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain has made taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes seem like a distant memory, Cindy's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Cindy practices at Queensway Carleton Hospital, situated in the Bells Corners, Lynwood Village neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near National War Memorial and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

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.

Does Queensway Carleton Hospital 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. Always confirm your coverage details with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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.

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

Phone: (613) 721-2000

Cindy Appleby 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: XXX40

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=12981fc1-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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