Joanna Maria Sarnecka – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Joanna Maria Sarnecka is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Champlain CCAC (Now LHIN) - Ottawa in Ottawa, ON, Joanna Sarnecka is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Joanna Sarnecka 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. Joanna Sarnecka also serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Joanna Maria Sarnecka completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2003). With extensive clinical experience, Joanna Sarnecka is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Joanna Sarnecka has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Joanna Sarnecka employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Joanna Sarnecka utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Joanna Sarnecka offers consultations in English, French, and Polish.

Joanna Maria Sarnecka provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.

Geriatric

• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Helping seniors stay strong, mobile, active, and independent for longer through tailored exercise and functional rehabilitation programs.
• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Difficulty with walking (e.g., slow gait, shuffling, unsteadiness), transferring (e.g., getting in/out of a chair or bed), using stairs, or performing other daily mobility tasks due to age-related changes, chronic health conditions, deconditioning, or fear of falling.

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. Joanna Sarnecka can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Effective virtual physiotherapy care to help you manage your condition, progress your rehabilitation, and receive professional advice when in-person visits are challenging or not preferred.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Joanna Sarnecka, 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 Champlain CCAC (Now LHIN) - Ottawa, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Joanna Sarnecka frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Joanna Sarnecka's help, managing trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain to achieve less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain.
• Joanna Sarnecka frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets improved performance in work-related physical demands and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement? Joanna Sarnecka works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun.
• Joanna Sarnecka believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches is hindering your ability to walking their children to school or the park, a personalized plan focusing on successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery can make all the difference.

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

Joanna Sarnecka practices at Champlain CCAC (Now LHIN) - Ottawa, situated in the Vanier North, Carson Grove, Forbes neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum 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 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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Champlain CCAC (Now LHIN) - Ottawa treat?

Physiotherapists at this clinic treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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 (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer (45-60 minutes). Follow-up appointments are usually shorter (30-45 minutes), but the duration can vary depending on your needs and treatment plan.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy uses hands-on techniques 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), soft tissue mobilization, and neural mobilization. The goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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

Some temporary soreness is normal. However, if your pain significantly worsens, you develop new symptoms, or the discomfort doesn't improve within a day or two, contact the clinic. Your Physiotherapist will offer guidance and adjust your care plan as needed.

Champlain CCAC (Now LHIN) - Ottawa
100-4200 Labelle Street
Ottawa, ON, K1J 1J8

Phone: (613) 745-8124

Joanna Maria Sarnecka 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: XXX44

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=05fb16ed-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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