Meghan Elizabeth Blanchard – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Meghan Elizabeth Blanchard is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Pelvic Health Focus). Practicing at HW Health - Physiotherapy and Sport Medicine in Ottawa, ON, Meghan Blanchard is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Meghan Blanchard's focus is providing specialized assessment and treatment for conditions related to the pelvic floor and surrounding region for all genders. This includes issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal concerns.

Meghan Elizabeth Blanchard completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2008). With clinical experience, Meghan Blanchard is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Meghan Blanchard has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Pelvic Health Physiotherapy.

Meghan Blanchard 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; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Meghan Blanchard offers consultations in English.

Meghan Elizabeth Blanchard provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Pelvic Health

• Constipation / Bowel Dysfunction (Pelvic Floor Related): Improving the coordination, strength, and relaxation of muscles involved in defecation to promote easier and more complete bowel movements.
• Urinary Incontinence (Stress, Urge, Mixed - Men & Women): Specialized physiotherapy management of bladder leakage issues through targeted pelvic floor muscle training (Kegels and more), bladder retraining techniques, education, and lifestyle advice.
• Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia) / Vaginismus / Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: Specialized physiotherapy by a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist for sexual pain disorders, focusing on desensitization techniques, manual therapy to release tight pelvic floor muscles and trigger points, specific relaxation and stretching exercises, dilator therapy guidance (if appropriate), and pain education.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

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. Meghan Blanchard can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (Assessment & Treatment - Internal exams where authorized/applicable and with consent): Targeted therapy for pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, focusing on restoring optimal strength, endurance, coordination, relaxation, and normal function to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Perineal & Pelvic Pain Rehabilitation: Addressing persistent pain and functional limitations in the pelvic region through targeted manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, pain science education, and self-management strategies.
• Biofeedback for Pelvic Floor Muscle Retraining: Guided exercises with visual or auditory biofeedback to improve your ability to correctly activate, strengthen, coordinate, or relax your pelvic floor muscles, enhancing treatment outcomes for incontinence or pelvic pain.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.

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

• Tired of tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot interfering with sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play? Meghan Blanchard uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey and regain your freedom of movement.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) and achieved enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation under the skilled care of Meghan Blanchard. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events with a new lease on life.
• Many find that frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders significantly impacts their ability to attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation. Meghan Blanchard helps patients target moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Meghan Blanchard believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort is hindering your ability to cycling longer distances with their cycling club, a personalized plan focusing on a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life can make all the difference.

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

Meghan Blanchard practices at HW Health - Physiotherapy and Sport Medicine, situated in the Carlington, Copeland Park, Carleton Heights neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Dow's Lake 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 is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

What are HW Health - Physiotherapy and Sport Medicine's operating hours?

HW Health - Physiotherapy and Sport Medicine 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 at or check our website/online booking portal at for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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.

What is HW Health - Physiotherapy and Sport Medicine's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your 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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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 *do* require one for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

HW Health - Physiotherapy and Sport Medicine
1051 Baxter Road, 22C
Ottawa, ON, K2C 3P1

Phone: (343) 574-1788

Meghan Elizabeth Blanchard 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: XXX92

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=bc87d071-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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