Jennifer Cluthe – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Jennifer Cluthe is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital-South Keys in Ottawa, ON, Jennifer Cluthe is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Jennifer Cluthe 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. Jennifer Cluthe serves adults.

Jennifer Cluthe completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2011). With clinical experience, Jennifer Cluthe is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Jennifer Cluthe has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Jennifer Cluthe empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Jennifer Cluthe offers consultations in English.

Jennifer Cluthe 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): 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.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).

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. Jennifer Cluthe can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Jennifer Cluthe, 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 The Ottawa Hospital-South Keys, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Jennifer Cluthe frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) has made attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events seem like a distant memory, Jennifer Cluthe's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Tired of shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult interfering with handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending? Jennifer Cluthe uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort and regain your freedom of movement.
• Patients often come to Jennifer Cluthe feeling defeated by that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term and resuming participating in community events and social gatherings more actively becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• With Jennifer Cluthe's help, managing working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery to achieve improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions.

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

Jennifer Cluthe practices at The Ottawa Hospital-South Keys, situated in the Hunt Club West, Riverside South, Ottawa Airport Area neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Rideau Centre 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, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in certain situations, such as post-hospitalization for specific conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. It is strongly recommended that you check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at The Ottawa Hospital-South Keys treat?

Physiotherapists at The Ottawa Hospital-South Keys treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. They also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact The Ottawa Hospital-South Keys or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

The Ottawa Hospital-South Keys
1145 Hunt Club Rd
Ottawa, ON, K1V 0Y3

Phone: (613) 738-2378

Jennifer Cluthe 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: XXX65

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c5813ea9-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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