Dr. Derek Petit

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

Neurological Conditions

• Peripheral Neuropathy: Diagnosing and managing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by damage to peripheral nerves (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy).
• Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident - CVA) Rehabilitation: Post-stroke care focusing on maximizing recovery of motor function, speech, cognition, and independence in daily activities.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussion Rehabilitation: Helping patients recover and adapt after a TBI to return to daily life, work, or school.
• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Therapeutic interventions to address motor symptoms like rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Managing pain arising from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, such as diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, or radicular pain.
• Chronic Widespread Pain: Developing strategies to cope with and reduce the burden of chronic widespread pain.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of CRPS (formerly RSD), a chronic pain condition typically affecting an arm or leg after an injury or trauma.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Helping athletes recover from injury, regain strength and flexibility, and safely return to their sport.
• 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. Petit, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Goal-oriented rehabilitation planning to help patients regain independence and improve their ability to perform daily activities.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs for sprains, strains, tendon injuries, and other sports-related conditions.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Comprehensive rehabilitation programs for individuals recovering from stroke to improve mobility, speech, cognition, and activities of daily living.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injuries, addressing cognitive, physical, and behavioral sequelae.
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for individuals with paraplegia or quadriplegia, including bladder/bowel management, spasticity control, and assistive technology.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Petit. 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. Derek Petit adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

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

• If wanting to explore options for pain relief beyond just medication is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Petit develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at feeling stronger and more capable in their daily movements. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy traveling and going on vacations.
• Dr. Petit provides dedicated support for patients going through numbness and tingling in their hands that just won't go away, always aiming for positive outcomes like improved hand dexterity for fine motor tasks, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as returning to their job or volunteer work.
• If wanting to find non-surgical ways to manage their chronic joint pain has unfortunately put gardening or doing yard work again on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Petit works closely with patients towards attaining being able to manage their symptoms with less reliance on pain medication, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• For patients where trouble with their memory and concentration after a head injury is a primary concern, Dr. Petit focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in feeling more confident in their physical abilities. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully lifting and carrying their young child or pet.

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

Dr. Petit's practice, Michael Garron Hospital, is situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

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

Dr. Petit treats a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and neurological systems. Examples include the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), various sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. Dr. Petit's focus is always on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing the patient's overall quality of life.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Petit at Michael Garron Hospital?

Your first visit with Dr. Petit will involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, how these symptoms affect your daily life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Petit will perform a thorough physical examination, potentially focusing on your musculoskeletal and/or neurological system. Any prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Petit will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, collaboratively establishing functional goals with you.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Petit 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. Petit are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided you have a valid health card and an appropriate referral (if required by the plan or clinic). However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may have additional fees for materials or facility use. Inquire with Michael Garron Hospital about potential out-of-pocket costs and check your private insurance coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

In Ontario, a referral from your family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally needed to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Petit for consultations and treatments covered by OHIP. This ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Petit has the necessary background information. Speak with your primary care physician if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Petit 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 improve functional ability, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities from injury or illness. They use non-surgical treatments such as medication, therapeutic exercise, targeted injections (when appropriate), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

Michael Garron Hospital
505 Smyth Road, Psychiatry
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M2

Phone: (613) 737-7350

Dr. Derek Petit 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: 112066

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Petit-Derek/0318135-112066

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Petit. Dr. Petit 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.