Dominique Andree Comeau – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Dominique Andree Comeau is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital-South Keys in Ottawa, ON, Dominique is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Dominique 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. Dominique serves adults.

Dominique Andree Comeau completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2017). With clinical experience, Dominique Andree Comeau is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Dominique Andree Comeau has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Dominique's practice philosophy centers around a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; and a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Dominique Andree Comeau offers consultations in English, French.

Dominique Andree Comeau provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.

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. Dominique can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis)? Dominique develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement. This is key to helping you get back to doing getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Physiotherapy with Dominique can be a transformative turning point for those affected by an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak. The shared goal is achieving improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks, paving the way for you to enjoy sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play and a more active, vibrant life.
• With Dominique's help, managing pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies to achieve getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.
• Patients often come to Dominique feeling defeated by pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries and resuming playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Dominique practices at The Ottawa Hospital-South Keys, situated in the Hunt Club West, Riverside South, Ottawa Airport Area neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Ottawa City Hall (Lisgar St entrance) and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

What is The Ottawa Hospital-South Keys'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 for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

The Ottawa Hospital-South Keys
1145 Hunt Club Rd
Ottawa, ON, K1V 0Y3

Phone: (613) 738-2378

Dominique Andree Comeau 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: XXX96

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=3a13fef9-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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