Diana Liu – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Diana Liu is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Bruyere Continuing Care, Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital in Ottawa, ON, Diana Liu is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Diana Liu 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. Diana Liu serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.

Diana Liu completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2018). With extensive clinical experience, Diana Liu is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Diana Liu has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Diana Liu'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; and promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Diana Liu offers consultations in English.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.

Sports Injury

• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), often resulting from running, jumping, or other repetitive impact activities, especially with sudden increases in training intensity or volume.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee that often starts gradually and worsens with continued activity, sometimes radiating up the thigh or down the leg.

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. Diana Liu can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Diana Liu, 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 Bruyere Continuing Care, Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Diana Liu frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Diana Liu's clinic, common concerns like one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day.
• Patients often come to Diana Liu feeling defeated by my child walking on their toes most of the time. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury and resuming going on birdwatching outings in various terrains becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Many individuals seek help from Diana Liu, their physiotherapist, when recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.
• The path to recovery from that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity and achieving a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency for dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks often starts with expert guidance. Diana Liu, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Diana Liu's practice at Bruyere Continuing Care, Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital, is located in the Lower Town, Sandy Hill East, ByWard Market neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near the Rideau Canal National Historic Site and is easily accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as "direct access." However, while a referral isn't legally required to book an appointment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check your insurance policy's specific requirements before your first appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. However, eligibility criteria are strict, and there may be waitlists. To determine coverage, check directly with OHIP and your private/extended health insurance plan, as many private insurers offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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.

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 Diana Liu or the clinic directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Bruyere Continuing Care, Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital
43 Bruyere St.
Ottawa, ON, K1N 5C8

Phone: (613) 562-6262

Diana Liu 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: XXX70

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=00ce2c8d-f0cc-e811-817c-480fcff40721

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