Lorraine McCormack – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Lorraine McCormack is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Action Potential Rehabilitation in Ottawa, ON, Lorraine McCormack is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Lorraine McCormack addresses 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. Lorraine McCormack serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Lorraine McCormack completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McGill University (Graduating Class of 1985). With extensive clinical experience, Lorraine McCormack is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Lorraine McCormack has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Lorraine McCormack employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Lorraine McCormack offers consultations in English, French.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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. Lorraine McCormack 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• 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.

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

• The journey to less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function when faced with persistent an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak is made smoother and more effective with Lorraine McCormack's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like getting on and off the floor with ease.
• Lorraine McCormack frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of an awkward gait or limping when I walk. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.
• It's truly rewarding for Lorraine McCormack to witness patients conquer managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease and experience improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty again.
• Patients struggling with wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night can find dedicated and compassionate support from Lorraine McCormack. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.

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

Lorraine McCormack's practice at Action Potential Rehabilitation is situated in the Nepean (Centrepoint, Tanglewood, Craig Henry) neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the National Gallery of Canada and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

Is there parking available at or near Action Potential Rehabilitation?

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

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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 insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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.

Action Potential Rehabilitation
300-2081 Merivale Road
Ottawa, ON, K2G 1G9

Phone: (613) 680-6400

Lorraine McCormack 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: XXX43

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=88b2e203-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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