Gopu Pandurangan – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Gopu Pandurangan is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Extendicare Medex in Ottawa, ON, Gopu Pandurangan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Gopu Pandurangan focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Gopu Pandurangan serves seniors in the Ottawa community.

Gopu Pandurangan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (Graduating Class of 2001). With clinical experience, Gopu Pandurangan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Gopu Pandurangan has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Gopu Pandurangan employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Gopu Pandurangan offers consultations in English, Tamil.

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

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.

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. Gopu Pandurangan can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Helping seniors regain their physical capacity, reduce dependency, and improve their ability to manage at home safely and effectively.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Tailored exercise prescription, education on safe movement, manual therapy (gentle techniques), and functional training to help seniors maintain their independence, enhance safety in their home and community, and promote active and healthy aging.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.

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

• Tired of feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be interfering with engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours? Gopu Pandurangan uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury and regain your freedom of movement.
• The journey to feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities when faced with persistent trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is made smoother and more effective with Gopu Pandurangan's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• Many individuals seek help from Gopu Pandurangan, their physiotherapist, when a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends.
• Rediscover your ability to feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings without the constant burden of difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain. Gopu Pandurangan focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Gopu Pandurangan's practice at Extendicare Medex is situated in the Carlington, Copeland Park, Carleton Heights neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Parliament Buildings 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 parking available at or near Extendicare Medex?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to our building. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

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 and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Extendicare Medex treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health. Our treatments often involve Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified), Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

How can I book an appointment at Extendicare Medex?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (613) 225-5650 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.

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

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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.

Extendicare Medex
1865 Baseline Rd.
Ottawa, ON, K2C 3K6

Phone: (613) 225-5650

Gopu Pandurangan 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: XXX04

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f449fc0a-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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