Kathy Bernard – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Kathy Bernard is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre in Ottawa, ON, Kathy Bernard is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kathy Bernard 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. Kathy Bernard serves adults.

Kathy Bernard completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2010). With clinical experience, Kathy Bernard is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kathy Bernard has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Kathy Bernard promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Kathy Bernard offers consultations in English, French.

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

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• 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.

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.
• 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.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.

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. Kathy Bernard can assess your needs.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.

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

• Kathy Bernard frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.
• The path to recovery from difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain and achieving feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health for painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache often starts with expert guidance. Kathy Bernard, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Physiotherapy with Kathy Bernard can be a transformative turning point for those affected by loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury. The shared goal is achieving better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms, paving the way for you to enjoy walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness and a more active, vibrant life.
• Many find that difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy significantly impacts their ability to comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family. Kathy Bernard helps patients target seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio) with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Kathy Bernard practices at The Ottawa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre, situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near National Gallery of Canada and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What is The Ottawa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre'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.

Is there parking available at or near The Ottawa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre?

Ample parking is generally available close to the clinic entrance.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect and will adjust the intensity to ensure you are comfortable while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

The Ottawa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre
505 Smyth Rd.
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M6

Phone: (613) 737-7350

Kathy Bernard 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: XXX34

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=2780336d-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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