Dr. Colin James Mascaro – Pain Management Specialist / Physical Therapist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Colin James Mascaro is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at McMaster Family Practice in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Mascaro is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Mascaro is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the medical profession in ON. As a certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (also known as a Physiatrist), Dr. Mascaro focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The goal is to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. Dr. Mascaro serves patients of all ages, from children and adolescents through to adults and seniors, requiring functional restoration.

Dr. Colin James Mascaro earned a Medical Degree in 2014. Subsequently, Dr. Mascaro completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Mascaro brings valuable clinical experience to their practice. Dr. Mascaro's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Mascaro is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. Mascaro's medical practice philosophy include: collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive and coordinated care; a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in rehabilitation techniques. Dr. Mascaro provides consultations in English.

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Colin James Mascaro addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Neurological Conditions

• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Therapeutic interventions to address motor symptoms like rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussion Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs aimed at improving memory, attention, executive function, balance, and emotional regulation after brain injury.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Treating localized muscle pain and trigger points characteristic of myofascial pain syndrome.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Management strategies for arthritis, including medication, injections, bracing, and exercise programs to improve joint function and reduce pain.
• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Comprehensive non-operative care for spinal pain, focusing on pain relief, functional restoration, and preventative strategies.
• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Diagnosing and treating inflammation of tendons (tendonitis/tendinopathy) and bursae (bursitis) in areas like the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, or ankle.

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Developing rehabilitation plans to optimize outcomes following surgeries like total knee/hip replacement, rotator cuff repair, or spinal fusion.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Non-operative treatment and rehabilitation for common sports injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, tendon injuries, and stress fractures.
• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Managing conditions caused by repetitive stress and overuse, such as tendinopathies, shin splints, or stress reactions.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Mascaro, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Comprehensive Physiatric Assessment: Holistic evaluation focusing on restoring function and improving quality of life for patients with physical impairments.
• Therapeutic Injections (Joints, Soft Tissues, Nerves): Performing image-guided (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) injections such as corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation, trigger point injections, and peripheral nerve blocks.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Helping athletes recover from injuries and optimize performance through targeted therapies.
• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Specialized nerve testing to identify conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy (pinched nerves), peripheral neuropathy, and muscle diseases.
• Spasticity Management (e.g., Botulinum Toxin Injections): Utilizing botulinum toxin (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®) injections to reduce muscle spasticity and improve range of motion in conditions like stroke, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Mascaro. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Colin James Mascaro adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At McMaster Family Practice, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Mascaro frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Numerous patients have successfully addressed needing support to navigate the complexities of their rehabilitation journey with Dr. Mascaro's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to being able to manage their symptoms with less reliance on pain medication and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy engaging in light exercises like swimming or cycling once more.
• If needing help to adapt their home to their new mobility challenges is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Mascaro develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at successfully navigating the challenges of a new diagnosis with expert guidance. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy being able to sit comfortably for a movie or a long car ride.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Mascaro about the frustration of not being able to do the hobbies they once loved due to pain or disability is to attain achieving the best possible physical function given their underlying condition. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like participating in physical therapy sessions with greater ease and less pain.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing trouble controlling their muscles due to spasticity, involves working systematically towards feeling more confident in their physical abilities. Dr. Mascaro expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including walking around their neighborhood or a park comfortably.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Mascaro, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Mascaro is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Mascaro's practice, McMaster Family Practice, is situated in the Lower Town, Sandy Hill East, ByWard Market neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Billings Bridge Shopping Centre and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Mascaro recommend them?

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly and well electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. Mascaro might recommend these electrodiagnostic tests to help diagnose conditions such as pinched nerves (radiculopathy), carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve or muscle problems, guiding further treatment.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Mascaro covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Mascaro are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral if required by the plan or clinic. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain types of injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees for materials or facility use. It's always best for patients to inquire with McMaster Family Practice about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Mascaro?

Yes, in ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Mascaro for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Mascaro has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Mascaro treats?

Dr. Mascaro treats a variety of conditions, including the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. Dr. Mascaro focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Mascaro at McMaster Family Practice?

Your first visit with Dr. Mascaro will typically involve a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, how these impact your daily life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Mascaro will perform a thorough physical examination, reviewing any prior imaging or test results. Based on this, Dr. Mascaro will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Mascaro do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Mascaro is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

What should I bring to my appointment with Dr. Mascaro?

Bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card), referral letter (if applicable), a list of all current medications, copies of relevant medical records, imaging reports, and any pertinent test results. If applicable, wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy examination and bring any braces, splints, or assistive devices you currently use.

McMaster Family Practice
300-100 Marie Curie Pvt.
Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5

Phone: (613) 564-3950

Dr. Colin James Mascaro is a licensed Physiatrist in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 104040

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Mascaro-Colin-James/0295467-104040

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Mascaro. Dr. Mascaro and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.