Katherine Maureen Wolf – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Katherine Maureen Wolf is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at University of Ottawa Heart Institute in Ottawa, ON, Kate Wolf is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kate Wolf focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Kate Wolf serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Katherine Maureen Wolf completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2020). With clinical experience, Kate Wolf is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kate Wolf has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Kate Wolf employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Kate Wolf offers consultations in English.

Katherine Maureen Wolf provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.

Neurological

• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Personalized exercise programs, hands-on therapy, and functional retraining for post-stroke recovery, addressing issues like hemiparesis, spasticity, or neglect.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Helping individuals with muscular dystrophies and myopathies adapt to changes in their physical abilities and maintain their participation in meaningful activities through tailored physiotherapy.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurorehabilitation provided by a Physiotherapist to support functional recovery, improve independence in daily activities, and facilitate community reintegration after a head injury.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Specialized physiotherapy exercises and movement strategies (e.g., LSVT BIG® principles, amplitude-based training, cueing techniques) to improve balance, gait (walking), posture, flexibility, coordination, and overall motor function in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

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. Kate Wolf 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: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Tailored exercise prescription, education on safe movement, manual therapy (gentle techniques), and functional training to help seniors maintain their independence, enhance safety in their home and community, and promote active and healthy aging.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Helping seniors regain their physical capacity, reduce dependency, and improve their ability to manage at home safely and effectively.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.

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

• Rediscover your ability to easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips without the constant burden of recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim). Kate Wolf focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Don't let an awkward gait or limping when I walk dictate what you can and cannot do. Kate Wolf offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns, helping you reclaim maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails and enjoy a more functional life.
• It's truly rewarding for Kate Wolf to witness patients conquer trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury and experience waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time again.
• Many individuals seek help from Kate Wolf, their physiotherapist, when that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain.

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

Kate Wolf's practice at University of Ottawa Heart Institute is situated in the Hintonburg, Civic Hospital, Westboro East neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Canadian Mint and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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, while a referral isn't legally required to make an appointment, some private insurance plans may require one for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

Does University of Ottawa Heart Institute offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact the University of Ottawa Heart Institute directly at (613) 696-7000 to inquire about their direct billing policies with private insurance companies. It's essential to bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment and to confirm your coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, with your insurance provider before your appointment, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. While publicly funded physiotherapy is available through some programs (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. You should check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy in a private clinic as many plans do provide reimbursement for these services.

How can I book an appointment at University of Ottawa Heart Institute?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (613) 696-7000 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

University of Ottawa Heart Institute
40 Ruskin Street
Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4W7

Phone: (613) 696-7000

Katherine Maureen Wolf 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: XXX92

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=74307dfc-5c16-eb11-a813-000d3af427b4

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