Kartik Umeshkumar Kulkarni – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Kartik Umeshkumar Kulkarni is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Joint Reaction Physiotherapy and Massage in Ottawa, ON, Kartik Kulkarni is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kartik Kulkarni's focus is 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. Kartik Kulkarni serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Kartik Umeshkumar Kulkarni completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (Graduating Class of 2010). With extensive clinical experience, Kartik Kulkarni is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kartik Kulkarni has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Kartik Kulkarni empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Kartik Kulkarni employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Kartik Kulkarni offers consultations in English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Urdu.

Kartik Umeshkumar Kulkarni provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Guidance on hip precautions (if applicable for your surgical approach), a progressive exercise program, and functional retraining after hip surgery to help you achieve your goals.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Gentle and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation following spinal surgery (e.g., for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spinal fusion), initiated once cleared by your surgeon, to improve mobility, core strength, posture, reduce pain, and safely return to daily activities.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• 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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.

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. Kartik Kulkarni can assess your needs.

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.

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

• Don't let trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) dictate what you can and cannot do. Kartik Kulkarni offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities, helping you reclaim playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods and enjoy a more functional life.
• Physiotherapy with Kartik Kulkarni can be a transformative turning point for those affected by my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking. The shared goal is achieving enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications, paving the way for you to enjoy resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely and a more active, vibrant life.
• With Kartik Kulkarni's help, managing feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems to achieve the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
• The journey to improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely when faced with persistent difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy is made smoother and more effective with Kartik Kulkarni's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back.

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

Kartik Kulkarni practices at Joint Reaction Physiotherapy and Massage, situated in the Hunt Club West, Riverside South, Ottawa Airport Area neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Dow’s Lake and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. It is crucial to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Joint Reaction Physiotherapy and Massage offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs and in certain 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 waitlists may exist. Check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Joint Reaction Physiotherapy and Massage
665-5 Earl Armstrong Rd
Ottawa, ON, K1V 2G2

Phone: (613) 425-8699

Kartik Umeshkumar Kulkarni 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: XXX77

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=00ea2454-657e-e811-8156-480fcff44541

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