Julia Megan Wallace – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Julia Megan Wallace is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CHEO in Ottawa, ON, Julia Wallace is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Julia Wallace's role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Julia Wallace also manages 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. Julia Wallace serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Julia Megan Wallace completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2022). With clinical experience, Julia Wallace is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Julia Wallace has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy.

Julia Wallace empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Julia Wallace employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Julia Wallace has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Julia Wallace offers consultations in English, French.

Julia Megan Wallace provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, cognitive difficulties (e.g., 'brain fog', memory issues), fatigue, and emotional changes. Post-Concussion Syndrome refers to symptoms persisting beyond the typical recovery window.

Vestibular Balance

• 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.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.

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. Julia Wallace can assess your needs.

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: Improving your breathing efficiency, increasing your exercise tolerance, reducing feelings of breathlessness, and enhancing your overall well-being and ability to perform daily activities when living with a chronic respiratory disease.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Comprehensive physiotherapy programs designed to maximize quality of life and functional abilities for individuals with conditions like stroke (CVA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, traumatic or acquired brain injury (TBI/ABI), or incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).
• 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.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Physiotherapy to improve your breathing efficiency, manage symptoms of lung disease, clear your airways more effectively, and increase your cardiovascular fitness and activity tolerance.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• 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.

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

• Living with managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease doesn't have to be your norm. Julia Wallace applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.
• For those whose general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden has made being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms seem like a distant memory, Julia Wallace's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• With Julia Wallace's help, managing recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist to achieve enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace.
• When frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely, physiotherapy with Julia Wallace can help you work towards feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Julia Wallace practices at CHEO, situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Arts Court and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 CHEO or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage 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?

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams, but eligibility criteria are strict and waitlists may exist. It is strongly recommended that you check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

CHEO
395 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L2

Phone: (613) 737-7600

Julia Megan Wallace 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: XXX25

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=4932b513-ee4f-ed11-bba2-0022486df36c

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