Gareth Davies Davies – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Gareth Davies Davies is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at University of Ottawa Heart Institute in Ottawa, ON, Gareth is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Gareth's focus is managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. This involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Gareth serves adults.

Gareth Davies Davies completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McGill University (Graduating Class of 2003). With extensive clinical experience, Gareth is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Gareth has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Gareth's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Gareth Davies Davies offers consultations in English, French.

Gareth Davies Davies provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

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. Gareth can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: A structured physiotherapy approach to address the diverse and often fluctuating symptoms of Long COVID, aiming to improve exercise tolerance gradually, manage fatigue, and support a return to meaningful activities.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.

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

• Gareth believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders is hindering your ability to keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match, a personalized plan focusing on a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being can make all the difference.
• At Gareth's physiotherapy practice, individuals with pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) are guided towards building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.
• Don't let awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) dictate what you can and cannot do. Gareth offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort, helping you reclaim working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness and enjoy a more functional life.
• Many find that trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain significantly impacts their ability to returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun. Gareth helps patients target feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Gareth practices at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, located in the Hintonburg, Civic Hospital, Westboro East neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the National Gallery of Canada and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

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 or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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 Ontarians. 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. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. You should verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially initially, it should not be distressing or harmful. Your Physiotherapist will guide you, modify treatments as needed, and ensure a positive experience. The goal is to make you feel better, not worse.

What are University of Ottawa Heart Institute's operating hours?

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the clinic at [Insert Phone Number Here] or check their website at [Insert Website Here] for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

University of Ottawa Heart Institute
40 Ruskin Street
Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4W7

Phone: (613) 696-7000

Gareth Davies Davies 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: XXX95

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=5b9e3d8a-8d02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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