Julie Elizabeth Shearer – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Julie Elizabeth Shearer is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Baseline Chiropractic Clinic in Ottawa, ON, Julie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Julie addresses 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. Julie serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Julie Elizabeth Shearer completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2005). With extensive clinical experience, Julie is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Julie has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Julie employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Julie maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Julie offers consultations in English and French.

Julie Elizabeth Shearer provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.

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. Julie can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• 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 Julie, 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 Baseline Chiropractic Clinic, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Julie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort when faced with persistent recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) is made smoother and more effective with Julie's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• Are you finding that that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away stops you from enjoying playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends? Julie is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Physiotherapy with Julie can be a transformative turning point for those affected by trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury. The shared goal is achieving being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again, paving the way for you to enjoy simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and a more active, vibrant life.
• With Julie's help, managing wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night to achieve resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.

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

Julie practices at Baseline Chiropractic Clinic, situated in the Carlington, Copeland Park, Carleton Heights neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the National Gallery of Canada and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance for coverage of private clinic physiotherapy services.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

What is Baseline Chiropractic Clinic's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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

Does Baseline Chiropractic Clinic offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact the clinic directly to inquire about direct billing options with your specific insurance provider.

Baseline Chiropractic Clinic
2 - 1889 Baseline Rd
Ottawa, ON, K2C 0N2

Phone: (613) 224-5852

Julie Elizabeth Shearer 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: XXX94

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=47d6431c-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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