Karen Isabelle Picard

Karen Isabelle Picard provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.

Cardioresp

• Asthma Management (Exercise-Induced & General Support): A chronic inflammatory condition of the airways causing recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, often triggered by allergens, irritants, cold air, or exercise (Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction - EIB).
• Bronchiectasis Management (Airway Clearance): Teaching and supervising various airway clearance techniques (ACTs) and devices (e.g., PEP devices, Acapella, Flutter, postural drainage, active cycle of breathing techniques - ACBT) to help individuals with bronchiectasis clear lung secretions effectively, reduce infection risk, and improve breathing.

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. karen Picard can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at karen Picard's clinic, common concerns like my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• Patients struggling with needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity can find dedicated and compassionate support from karen Picard. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
• karen Picard frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like managing their personal care routines independently.
• It's truly rewarding for karen Picard to witness patients conquer a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck and experience less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings again.

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

karen Picard practices at The Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus, situated in the Hintonburg, Civic Hospital, Westboro East neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Library and Archives Canada and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How can I book an appointment at The Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (613) 798-5555 during business hours. Many practitioners also offer online booking through their website. The friendly reception team will assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

Patients in Ontario 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.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This depends on many factors. After your initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will provide an estimate. Your progress will be reviewed regularly, and the treatment plan adjusted as needed.

What is The Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus's appointment cancellation policy?

We request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer coverage for physiotherapy. Contact your insurer before your appointment to understand your plan's specifics (annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options). If direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer; otherwise, we will provide a receipt for you to submit.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first appointment involves a comprehensive assessment: discussion of your medical history and symptoms, a physical examination, and development of a personalized treatment plan.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at The Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes back and neck pain, joint problems, sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists specializing in areas like general physiotherapy and Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy. Treatments often involve Functional Movement Screening, Manual Therapy, and patient education.

The Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus
1053 Carling Ave
Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4E9

Phone: (613) 798-5555

Karen Isabelle Picard 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: XXX62

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=0a4d4874-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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