Keri-Lynne Stephens Michele Burgess – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Keri-Lynne Stephens Michele Burgess is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CHEO in Ottawa, ON, Keri Burgess is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Keri Burgess's role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Keri Burgess serves infants, children, and adolescents within the Ottawa community.

Keri-Lynne Stephens Michele Burgess completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1998). With extensive clinical experience, Keri Burgess is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Keri Burgess has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Keri Burgess's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Keri Burgess offers consultations in English.

Keri-Lynne Stephens Michele Burgess provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Neurological

• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Physiotherapy interventions focusing on large-amplitude movements, rhythmic activities, and strategies to overcome movement difficulties associated with Parkinson's.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy aimed at improving mobility (e.g., walking, transfers), balance, strength, coordination, sensation, and daily function (e.g., dressing, self-care) after a stroke (cerebrovascular accident).
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy for weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, often affecting one side of the face (e.g., Bell's Palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, post-surgical facial nerve injury).

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• 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. Keri Burgess can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• 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.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.

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

• The journey to feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises when faced with persistent breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity is made smoother and more effective with Keri Burgess's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• Rediscover your ability to getting on and off the floor with ease without the constant burden of dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash. Keri Burgess focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• With Keri Burgess's help, managing knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run to achieve sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and 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.
• Many individuals seek help from Keri Burgess, their physiotherapist, when trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio), empowering them to joyfully return to activities like operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work.

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

Keri Burgess practices at CHEO, situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Embassy Row and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 CHEO 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.

Does CHEO 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 first appointment and 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.

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.

Is there parking available at or near CHEO?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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 (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans do require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. We strongly advise you to check the specific requirements of your individual 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 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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

CHEO
395 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L2

Phone: (613) 737-7600

Keri-Lynne Stephens Michele Burgess 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: XXX66

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=fc8fba48-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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