Melissa Dawn Gurney – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Melissa Dawn Gurney is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital-South Keys in Ottawa, ON, Melissa Gurney is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Melissa Gurney's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Melissa Gurney serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Melissa Dawn Gurney completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2019). With clinical experience, Melissa Gurney is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Melissa Gurney has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Melissa Gurney 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; and a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Melissa Gurney offers consultations in English.

Melissa Dawn Gurney provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.

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. Melissa Gurney can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• 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.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Melissa Gurney, their physiotherapist, when that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like getting on and off the floor with ease.
• It's truly rewarding for Melissa Gurney to witness patients conquer sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica and experience returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in running their usual 5k route without knee pain again.
• At Melissa Gurney's physiotherapy practice, individuals with an awkward gait or limping when I walk are guided towards feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache.
• If hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side is preventing you from fully enjoying managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain, Melissa Gurney offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Melissa Gurney practices at The Ottawa Hospital-South Keys, situated in the Hunt Club West, Riverside South, Ottawa Airport Area 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. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

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 to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in certain situations, such as post-hospitalization for specific conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may exist. It is strongly recommended that you check your private or extended health insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics. You should also verify your eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

How can I book an appointment at The Ottawa Hospital-South Keys?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (613) 738-2378 during our 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.

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.

The Ottawa Hospital-South Keys
1145 Hunt Club Rd
Ottawa, ON, K1V 0Y3

Phone: (613) 738-2378

Melissa Dawn Gurney 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: XXX65

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=ef06aa78-fda1-e911-a992-000d3af438b6

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