About
Dr. Dana Christine Pecjak is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at a rehabilitation clinic in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Pecjak is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Pecjak 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. Pecjak 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. Pecjak serves patients of all ages, from children and adolescents through to adults and seniors, requiring functional restoration.
Dr. Dana Christine Pecjak earned a Medical Degree in 2008. Subsequently, Dr. Pecjak completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Pecjak brings valuable clinical experience to her practice. Dr. Pecjak's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Pecjak is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.
Key aspects of Dr. Pecjak's medical practice philosophy include: a patient-centered approach, focusing on individual goals and maximizing functional independence; a holistic perspective, considering the physical, emotional, and social aspects of disability and recovery. Dr. Pecjak provides consultations in English.
As a Physiatrist, Dr. Dana Christine Pecjak addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:
Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Utilizing medications, interventional techniques, and therapies specifically targeted at nerve-related pain.
- Chronic Widespread Pain: Developing strategies to cope with and reduce the burden of chronic widespread pain.
Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement
- Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Rehabilitation programs to address generalized weakness, fatigue, and loss of function following prolonged illness, hospitalization, or inactivity.
- Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Helping amputees achieve optimal function, comfort, and independence with their prosthetic devices.
Neurological Conditions
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussion Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs aimed at improving memory, attention, executive function, balance, and emotional regulation after brain injury.
- Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Therapeutic interventions to address motor symptoms like rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.
- Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident - CVA) Rehabilitation: Post-stroke care focusing on maximizing recovery of motor function, speech, cognition, and independence in daily activities.
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized medical and rehabilitative management for the complex needs of SCI patients.
This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Pecjak, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.
- Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Specialized care for athletes with musculoskeletal injuries, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and safe return to sport.
- Treatment of Joint Pain (Arthritis, Tendinopathies): Managing pain and dysfunction related to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and other joint conditions.
- Medication Management for Pain & Spasticity: Expert prescription and monitoring of analgesic medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and medications for neuropathic pain or spasticity.
- Stroke Rehabilitation: Specialized therapies to address physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges following a stroke.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injuries, addressing cognitive, physical, and behavioral sequelae.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Pecjak. 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. Dana Christine Pecjak adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
At Dr. Dana Christine Pecjak's 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. Pecjak frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing the frustration of not being able to do the hobbies they once loved due to pain or disability, involves working systematically towards being able to manage their daily activities with greater ease. Dr. Pecjak expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including enjoying a walk on uneven ground or nature trails.
- Dr. Pecjak often consults with patients whose needing help to adapt their home to their new mobility challenges significantly limits their enjoyment of cooking their own meals and managing household chores or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve successfully adapting to using an assistive device or prosthesis and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
- Overcoming or effectively managing feeling exhausted all the time and having widespread muscle aches is a common journey for patients under Dr. Pecjak's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling improved bladder and bowel control, so that daily routines and pleasures like being able to stand for periods needed for work or daily tasks become straightforward again.
- For individuals troubled by experiencing pain or weakness that doctors haven't been able to diagnose easily, Dr. Pecjak's approach is focused on delivering their rehabilitation plan leading to tangible improvements in their daily function. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like their child being able to play and interact with peers more easily with a healthier smile.
Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Pecjak, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Pecjak is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.
Dr. Pecjak's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Ottawa, is situated in the Bells Corners, Lynwood Village neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near CF Rideau Centre and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.
- Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Pecjak?
- In Ontario, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Pecjak for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Pecjak has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need a physiatric assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.
- Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Pecjak 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. Pecjak are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided the patient has a valid health card and an 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. Inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.
- What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Pecjak treats?
- Dr. Pecjak treats a wide range 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. Pecjak 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. Pecjak at the clinic?
- Your first visit with Dr. Pecjak will involve a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, how these symptoms impact your daily life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Pecjak will perform a thorough physical examination, reviewing any prior imaging or test results. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Pecjak will discuss diagnostic impressions, recommend further investigations if needed, and outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.
- What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Pecjak do?
- A Physiatrist like Dr. Pecjak 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.
3045 Baseline Road
Ottawa, ON, K2H 8P4
Phone: (613) 721-2000
Dr. Dana Christine Pecjak 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: 88689
Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Pecjak-Dana-Christine/0251053-88689
A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Pecjak. Dr. Pecjak 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.