Dr. Katrina Gail DeZeeuw

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

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: Comprehensive care for individuals with limb loss, including pre-prosthetic management, prosthetic prescription, gait training, and adjustment to life with a prosthesis.

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Helping patients regain mobility, strength, and independence after major surgical interventions.

Neurological Conditions

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized medical and rehabilitative management for the complex needs of SCI patients.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussion Rehabilitation: Helping patients recover and adapt after a TBI to return to daily life, work, or school.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Diagnosing and managing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by damage to peripheral nerves (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy).

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: Addressing the underlying biomechanical factors contributing to overuse injuries and implementing strategies for recovery and prevention.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. DeZeeuw, 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.
• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Facilitating communication and collaboration among various therapists and specialists involved in a patient's care.
• Spasticity Management (e.g., Botulinum Toxin Injections): Targeted injections to manage disabling muscle stiffness and spasms, enhancing comfort and functional abilities.
• Medication Management for Pain & Spasticity: Expert prescription and monitoring of analgesic medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and medications for neuropathic pain or spasticity.
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Specialized rehabilitation to help patients with spinal cord injuries achieve their maximum potential for independence.

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

At Milton District 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. DeZeeuw frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Numerous patients have successfully addressed wanting to explore options for pain relief beyond just medication with Dr. DeZeeuw's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to successful return to work or meaningful activities and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy using their prosthetic limb with skill and confidence once more.
• Dr. DeZeeuw understands that dealing with needing to learn how to use a prosthetic limb effectively can be challenging. That's why her treatment plans are geared towards achieving better management of their chronic condition, leading to an improved quality of life, helping patients comfortably get back to attending social gatherings and community events with confidence and feeling their best.
• Are you struggling with their child having movement difficulties due to cerebral palsy or another condition? Dr. DeZeeuw partners with patients to target being able to manage their daily activities with greater ease, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as feeling confident enough to try new physical activities within their capacity a much more achievable reality.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. DeZeeuw about difficulty walking and keeping their balance since their stroke is to attain reduced muscle spasms and improved range of motion. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like maintaining their balance while standing or walking.

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

Dr. DeZeeuw's practice is located at Milton District Hospital in the Centretown West, Chinatown neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Westboro Beach and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

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

In Ontario, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. DeZeeuw 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. DeZeeuw has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need a physiatric assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. DeZeeuw 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 from injury or illness. They use non-surgical treatments such as medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (when applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

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

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates electrical activity in skeletal muscles, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. DeZeeuw might recommend these electrodiagnostic tests to diagnose conditions like pinched nerves (radiculopathy), carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, 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. DeZeeuw 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. DeZeeuw are typically covered by provincial health plans such as OHIP in ON, provided the patient has a valid health card and an appropriate referral (if required). However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees. Inquire with Milton District Hospital about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

Dr. DeZeeuw treats various 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. Dr. DeZeeuw focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. DeZeeuw at Milton District Hospital?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive assessment including a discussion of your medical history, symptoms, their impact on your daily life, and previous treatments. Dr. DeZeeuw will perform a thorough physical examination (musculoskeletal and/or neurological). Any prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. DeZeeuw will discuss diagnostic impressions, recommend further investigations if needed, and outline treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

Milton District Hospital
60 Cambridge St N
Ottawa, ON, K1R 7A5

Phone: (613) 562-6262

Dr. Katrina Gail DeZeeuw 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: 103450

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/DeZeeuw-Katrina-Gail/0295272-103450

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