Matthew Thomas Claxton – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Matthew Thomas Claxton is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Carefor Health & Community Services in Ottawa, ON, Matthew is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Matthew focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Matthew serves adults.

Matthew Thomas Claxton completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1993). With extensive clinical experience, Matthew is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Matthew has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Matthew employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Matthew has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Matthew offers consultations in English.

Matthew Thomas Claxton provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Geriatric

• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: A decline in physical function, muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), and endurance commonly associated with aging or inactivity, sometimes leading to frailty, increased fall risk, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks independently.
• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Difficulty with walking (e.g., slow gait, shuffling, unsteadiness), transferring (e.g., getting in/out of a chair or bed), using stairs, or performing other daily mobility tasks due to age-related changes, chronic health conditions, deconditioning, or fear of falling.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.

Neurological

• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises and techniques provided by a Physiotherapist to manage symptoms of facial palsy and support optimal recovery of facial muscle control.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy support for the physical challenges of Multiple Sclerosis, focusing on maximizing mobility, safety, and participation in daily life.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Specialized physiotherapy exercises and movement strategies (e.g., LSVT BIG® principles, amplitude-based training, cueing techniques) to improve balance, gait (walking), posture, flexibility, coordination, and overall motor function in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Specialized neurorehabilitation programs designed by a Physiotherapist to improve physical function, optimize movement potential, and enhance quality of life for individuals living with an SCI.

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. Matthew can assess your needs.

• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.

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

• Matthew frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like using garden tools effectively and without pain.
• Are you finding that needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity stops you from enjoying playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods? Matthew is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• When general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work, physiotherapy with Matthew can help you work towards a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Rediscover your ability to managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain without the constant burden of dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women). Matthew focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Matthew practices at Carefor Health & Community Services, situated in the Alta Vista, Rideauview neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Little Italy 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.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

Does Carefor Health & Community Services 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. 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.

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 (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your 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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

Carefor Health & Community Services
760 Belfast Road
Ottawa, ON, K1G 6M8

Phone: (613) 749-7557

Matthew Thomas Claxton 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: XXX09

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6efd8e14-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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