Leo Culhane – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Leo Culhane is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Bellefleur Physiotherapy in Ottawa, ON, Leo is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Leo's approach 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. Leo serves adult patients.

Leo Culhane completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McGill University School of Physical and Occupational Therapy (Graduating Class of 2014). With clinical experience, Leo Culhane is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Leo Culhane has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Leo employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Leo Culhane offers consultations in English, French.

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

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

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. Leo can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches? Leo develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being. This is key to helping you get back to doing participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Rediscover your ability to managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain without the constant burden of my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking. Leo focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Tired of loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury interfering with hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter? Leo uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces and regain your freedom of movement.
• Don't let facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) dictate what you can and cannot do. Leo offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency, helping you reclaim maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Leo practices at Bellefleur Physiotherapy, situated in the Vanier East, Rockcliffe Park South neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Confederation Building and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What are Bellefleur Physiotherapy's operating hours?

Bellefleur Physiotherapy is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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 plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Bellefleur Physiotherapy treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs - e.g., Repetitive Strain Injury, Low Back Pain from Lifting)), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, cold therapy, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Does Bellefleur Physiotherapy 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 and always confirm coverage details with your provider.

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.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Bellefleur Physiotherapy or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy 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.

Bellefleur Physiotherapy
2 Beechwood Avenue
Ottawa, ON, K1L 8L9

Phone: (613) 695-7852

Leo Culhane 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: XXX21

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=ae327c4a-92e8-ea11-a817-000d3af427b4

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