Dr. Jennifer Kelly McDonald

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

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Guiding recovery and functional restoration after orthopedic or neurosurgical procedures.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Specialized care to optimize recovery and prevent re-injury in athletes of all levels.
• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Addressing the underlying biomechanical factors contributing to overuse injuries and implementing strategies for recovery and prevention.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Care for conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, trochanteric bursitis, and Achilles tendonitis.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Management strategies for arthritis, including medication, injections, bracing, and exercise programs to improve joint function and reduce pain.

Neurological Conditions

• Peripheral Neuropathy: Addressing disorders of the peripheral nervous system to reduce discomfort and prevent complications.
• 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: Managing the physical, cognitive, and behavioral consequences of head injuries, from mild concussions to severe TBI.
• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Therapeutic interventions to address motor symptoms like rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.

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

• Spasticity Management (e.g., Botulinum Toxin Injections): Targeted injections to manage disabling muscle stiffness and spasms, enhancing comfort and functional abilities.
• Therapeutic Injections (Joints, Soft Tissues, Nerves): Minimally invasive procedures to deliver medication directly to the source of pain or inflammation for therapeutic benefit.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs for sprains, strains, tendon injuries, and other sports-related conditions.
• Management of Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson's): Managing symptoms and functional limitations associated with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, and muscular dystrophies.
• 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. McDonald. 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. Jennifer Kelly McDonald adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At joseph brant 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. McDonald frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A key objective when treating the frustration of not being able to do the hobbies they once loved due to pain or disability at Dr. McDonald's welcoming dental clinic is achieving being able to manage their daily activities with greater ease. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like reducing their dependence on mobility aids if possible and desired.
• For those affected by feeling very stiff and having trouble moving because of their Parkinson's, Dr. McDonald provides solutions that lead to being able to participate more fully in family and social life. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to enjoying a walk on uneven ground or nature trails.
• The journey from feeling generally weak and deconditioned after a long illness to wellness often involves Dr. McDonald's dedicated care. The milestone is their rehabilitation plan leading to tangible improvements in their daily function, which opens the door back to activities such as gardening or doing yard work again.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. McDonald with concerns about the burning pain in their feet from diabetes making it hard to walk. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve improved ability to engage in leisure activities and hobbies they enjoy, making a positive and lasting return to traveling and going on vacations not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Dr. McDonald's practice, joseph brant hospital, is situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Little Italy and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Please inquire about specific parking arrangements if you have mobility concerns.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. McDonald is a medical doctor (physician) 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 from injury (e.g., sports injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury), illness (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis), or chronic pain. 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.

How long will my treatment or rehabilitation with Dr. McDonald take?

The duration of treatment and rehabilitation varies greatly depending on the specific condition, its severity, the patient's individual goals, their response to treatment, and the complexity of the rehabilitation plan. Some conditions may require only a few consultations and a home program, while others (like recovery from a significant stroke or spinal cord injury) can involve longer-term management and therapy. Dr. McDonald will discuss an estimated timeline and expected milestones after the initial assessment and as treatment progresses.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. McDonald 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. McDonald 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.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. McDonald at joseph brant hospital?

The first visit with Dr. McDonald will typically involve a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, how these symptoms impact your daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. McDonald will then perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the musculoskeletal and/or neurological system depending on the presenting problem. Any prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. McDonald will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

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

Physiatrists like Dr. McDonald treat diverse conditions, including 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. The focus is on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

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

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

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. McDonald 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. McDonald are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided you have 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. Inquire with joseph brant hospital about potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

joseph brant hospital
505 Smyth Road, Room 1200
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M2

Phone: (613) 737-7350

Dr. Jennifer Kelly McDonald 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: 95773

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/McDonald-Jennifer-Kelly/0272889-95773

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