Julie Serafin – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Julie Serafin is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Julie Serafin, Physiotherapist in Ottawa, ON, Julie Serafin is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Julie Serafin's practice 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. Julie Serafin serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Julie Serafin completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2015). With extensive clinical experience, Julie Serafin is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Julie Serafin has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Julie Serafin's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Julie Serafin offers consultations in English, French.

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

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.

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 Serafin can assess your needs.

• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.

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

• The journey to getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations when faced with persistent that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees is made smoother and more effective with Julie Serafin's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks.
• If hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side is preventing you from fully enjoying actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back, Julie Serafin offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Don't let facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) dictate what you can and cannot do. Julie Serafin offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being, helping you reclaim sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort and enjoy a more functional life.
• Julie Serafin believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck is hindering your ability to carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably, a personalized plan focusing on less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function can make all the difference.

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

Julie Serafin, Physiotherapist, is conveniently located in the Orleans (Avalon, Notting Gate) neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is easily accessible near the University of Ottawa and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

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 services in private clinics.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

What is Julie Serafin, Physiotherapist'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.

Julie Serafin, Physiotherapist
348 Rainrock Crescent
Ottawa, ON, K1W 0J6

Phone: (613) 793-5632

Julie Serafin 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: XXX95

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=1bc33ec3-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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