Dr. Nancy Lorraine Dudek

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

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Helping amputees achieve optimal function, comfort, and independence with their prosthetic devices.
• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Helping patients regain strength, endurance, and mobility to improve their ability to perform daily tasks.

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.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Managing acute or chronic pain in the lumbar, thoracic, or cervical spine due to disc issues, arthritis, muscle strain, or stenosis without surgery.
• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Care for conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, trochanteric bursitis, and Achilles tendonitis.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Managing conditions caused by repetitive stress and overuse, such as tendinopathies, shin splints, or stress reactions.
• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Specialized care to optimize recovery and prevent re-injury in athletes of all levels.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Dudek, 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: Helping athletes recover from injuries and optimize performance through targeted therapies.
• Comprehensive Physiatric Assessment: Holistic evaluation focusing on restoring function and improving quality of life for patients with physical impairments.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Non-invasive imaging to visualize musculoskeletal structures and guide therapeutic interventions.
• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Goal-oriented rehabilitation planning to help patients regain independence and improve their ability to perform daily activities.
• Therapeutic Injections (Joints, Soft Tissues, Nerves): Targeted injections to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve function in various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.

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

At Division of Critical Care Medicine, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Dudek frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing losing function in their legs after a spinal cord injury is a common journey for patients under Dr. Dudek's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling learning techniques to prevent re-injury or a worsening of their condition, so that daily routines and pleasures like attending social gatherings and community events with confidence become straightforward again.
• Managing their neck pain giving them constant headaches effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Dudek and the dental team. The clear aim is always being able to stand or sit for longer periods without severe discomfort, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying gardening or doing yard work again and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• For patients where not being able to return to work because of their physical limitations is a primary concern, Dr. Dudek focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in better sleep quality due to reduced pain or discomfort. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully managing their personal errands and appointments independently.
• Patients experiencing the challenge of adapting to a new disability and wanting to regain independence often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Dudek's practice, a key objective is a personalized plan that addresses all aspects of their physical impairment, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in maintaining their balance while standing or walking.

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

Dr. Dudek's practice, Division of Critical Care Medicine, is situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Billings Bridge Shopping Centre and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Please inquire about specific parking arrangements if you have mobility concerns.

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

Dr. Dudek treats a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous 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. Dudek's focus is always on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing the overall quality of life.

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

In Ontario, a referral from your family doctor (GP) or another specialist is usually required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Dudek for consultations and treatments covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Dudek has the necessary medical history. If you think you need a physiatric assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Dudek 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 like medication, therapeutic exercises, targeted injections (when appropriate), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Dudek 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. Dudek are covered by OHIP in Ontario, provided you have a valid health card and the appropriate referral (if required). However, some specific treatments or procedures (like certain injections, assistive devices, or comprehensive programs) may not be fully covered, or may have extra fees. Inquire with Division of Critical Care Medicine about potential out-of-pocket costs and check your private insurance for coverage of additional therapies or devices.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Dudek at Division of Critical Care Medicine?

Your first appointment with Dr. Dudek will involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, how these impact your daily life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Dudek will perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the musculoskeletal and/or neurological system, depending on your needs. Prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Dudek will discuss their findings, recommend further investigations if needed, and outline treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to set functional goals.

Division of Critical Care Medicine
Unit P O Box 5375, 505 Smyth Road, L H S C - University Campus Site
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M2

Phone: (613) 737-7350

Dr. Nancy Lorraine Dudek 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: 73656

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Dudek-Nancy-Lorraine/0158615-73656

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