Karen Michelle Saab – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Karen Michelle Saab is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus in Ottawa, ON, Karen Saab is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Karen Saab's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Karen Saab serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Karen Michelle Saab completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2006). With extensive clinical experience, Karen Saab is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Karen Saab has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Karen Saab's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Karen Saab adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Karen Saab offers consultations in English, French.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

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 Saab can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• 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.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women)? Karen Saab develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities. This is key to helping you get back to doing doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Karen Saab can help you move beyond a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck. The focus is on improved performance in work-related physical demands, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Karen Saab's clinic, common concerns like a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like taking group exercise classes at the community center.
• Patients struggling with loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury can find dedicated and compassionate support from Karen Saab. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.

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

Karen Saab practices at The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near CF Rideau Centre 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 is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

Does The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

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

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal 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 pelvic health and geriatric care. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, electrotherapy (like ultrasound and IFC), exercise prescription, 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. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so it's best to check your policy before your 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 certain conditions, 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 coverage in private clinics.

What are The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus's operating hours?

The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the clinic or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus
501 Smyth Rd.
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6

Phone: (613) 737-8899

Karen Michelle Saab 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: XXX49

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b337f393-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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