Dustin Joseph Bru – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Dustin Joseph Bru is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Department of National Defence in Ottawa, ON, Dustin Bru is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Dustin Bru focuses on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Dustin Bru serves adults.

Dustin Joseph Bru completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Alberta (Graduating Class of 2016). With clinical experience, Dustin Bru is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Dustin Bru has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Dustin Bru maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Dustin Bru offers consultations in English.

Dustin Joseph Bru provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dustin Bru can assess your needs.

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Dustin Bru, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At Department of National Defence, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dustin Bru frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court without the constant burden of soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise. Dustin Bru focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Don't let managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease dictate what you can and cannot do. Dustin Bru offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life, helping you reclaim walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness and enjoy a more functional life.
• The journey to enhanced ability to participate in social and community events when faced with persistent sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica is made smoother and more effective with Dustin Bru's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache.
• Patients often come to Dustin Bru feeling defeated by recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness and resuming using garden tools effectively and without pain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Dustin Bru, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Dustin Bru's practice at the Department of National Defence is located in the Federal Government Buildings (Parliamentary Precinct, Tunney's Pasture) neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Westboro Beach and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. Always check your insurance policy before your appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization, for certain demographics) but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurer before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, referral requirements, and direct billing options. If direct billing is available, we can bill your insurer; otherwise, we'll provide a receipt for you to submit.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause temporary soreness, treatment shouldn't be excessively painful. Your Physiotherapist will adjust intensity to ensure your comfort.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first appointment involves a thorough assessment: discussion of your issue, physical tests, and potentially initial treatment or exercises. The goal is to understand your condition and develop a treatment plan.

Department of National Defence
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K2

Phone: (613) 838-4756

Dustin Joseph Bru is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX89

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=aecd05f4-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.