Marcia Ann O’Connor – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Marcia Ann O'Connor is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital - Riverside Campus in Ottawa, ON, Marcia O'Connor is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Marcia O'Connor'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. Marcia O'Connor serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Marcia Ann O'Connor completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 1993). With extensive clinical experience, Marcia O'Connor is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Marcia O'Connor has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Marcia O'Connor empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Marcia O'Connor demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. A patient-centered approach is central to Marcia O'Connor's practice, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Marcia O'Connor offers consultations in English and French.

Marcia Ann O'Connor provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
• 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. Marcia O'Connor can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• 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: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Marcia O'Connor, their physiotherapist, when facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts.
• The path to recovery from that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work and achieving greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching for getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting often starts with expert guidance. Marcia O'Connor, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• The journey to improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics when faced with persistent trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain is made smoother and more effective with Marcia O'Connor's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house.
• It's truly rewarding for Marcia O'Connor to witness patients conquer a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) and experience achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness again.

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

Marcia O'Connor practices at The Ottawa Hospital - Riverside Campus, situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Ottawa Public Library Main Branch and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

How can I book an appointment at The Ottawa Hospital - Riverside Campus?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (613) 738-8400 during 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.

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 Ontarians. 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. It is strongly recommended that you check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

The Ottawa Hospital - Riverside Campus
1967 Riverside Dr.
Ottawa, ON, K1H 7W9

Phone: (613) 738-8400

Marcia Ann O'Connor 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: XXX57

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f6566f14-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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