Erin Nicole Breton – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Erin Nicole Breton is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Bruyere Health in Ottawa, ON, Erin Breton is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Erin Breton focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Erin Breton serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Erin Nicole Breton completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2016). With clinical experience, Erin Breton is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Erin Breton has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Erin Breton promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Erin Breton employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Erin Breton utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Erin Breton offers consultations in English.

Erin Nicole Breton provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• 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.

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. Erin Breton can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• 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): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Erin Breton, 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 Bruyere Health, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Erin Breton frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Are you finding that that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away stops you from enjoying returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain? Erin Breton is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• The journey to improved circulation and tissue healing when faced with persistent trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury is made smoother and more effective with Erin Breton's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back.
• Tired of tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot interfering with travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations? Erin Breton uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community and regain your freedom of movement.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work? Erin Breton works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.

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

Erin Breton practices at Bruyere Health, situated in the Centretown West, Chinatown neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Lord Elgin Hotel and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How can I book an appointment at Bruyere Health?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (613) 562-6262 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness. Your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately.

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 insurance provider before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization, joint manipulation (where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques, and neural mobilization. The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most of the population. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Bruyere Health
60 Cambridge Street
Ottawa, ON, K1R 7A5

Phone: (613) 562-6262

Erin Nicole Breton 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: XXX35

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=fc7f5694-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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