Dora Mesec – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Dora Mesec is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Pelvic Support Physiotherapy in Ottawa, ON, Dora Mesec is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Dora Mesec addresses 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. Dora Mesec serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Dora Mesec completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1980). With extensive clinical experience, Dora Mesec is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Dora Mesec has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Dora Mesec promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Dora Mesec employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Dora Mesec utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Dora Mesec offers consultations in English, Slovenian.

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

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• 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.
• 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.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.

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. Dora Mesec can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.

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

• Living with feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older doesn't have to be your norm. Dora Mesec applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks.
• Dora Mesec believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise is hindering your ability to being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house, a personalized plan focusing on learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress can make all the difference.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Dora Mesec's clinic, common concerns like recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.
• Patients often come to Dora Mesec feeling defeated by pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications and resuming resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Dora Mesec practices at Pelvic Support Physiotherapy, situated in the Bells Corners, Lynwood Village neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the ByWard Market Area 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.

What are Pelvic Support Physiotherapy's operating hours?

Pelvic Support Physiotherapy 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 our office or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

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 (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, shorts for knee problems, or a sleeveless top for shoulder issues.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Your Physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active life.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally 45 to 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions are usually 30 to 45 minutes, but the duration can vary.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. 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 direct billing is possible, we can 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. Bring your insurance card and 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.

Pelvic Support Physiotherapy
2039 Robertson Rd., Suite 302
Ottawa, ON, K2H 8R2

Phone: (613) 726-3838

Dora Mesec 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: XXX77

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=779b2e37-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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