Michelle Clarie Theresa Cummings

Michelle Clarie Theresa Cummings 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.
• 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: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

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. Michelle Cummings 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.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• 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.
• 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.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.

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

• Tired of difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke interfering with doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain? Michelle Cummings uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics and regain your freedom of movement.
• Living with needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity doesn't have to be your norm. Michelle Cummings applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day.
• Michelle Cummings frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets improved performance in work-related physical demands and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Michelle Cummings can help you move beyond recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery. The focus is on a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours.

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

Michelle Cummings practices at The Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus, situated in the Hintonburg, Civic Hospital, Westboro East neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Rideau Canal National Historic Site and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, even though a referral isn't legally required to book an appointment, some private insurance plans may require one for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

Does The Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

The Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus does not offer direct billing to private insurance companies at this time. We will provide you with a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment so that we can assist you with this process. Always confirm your coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductibles, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

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

Physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. OHIP may cover physiotherapy in specific situations, such as 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's essential to verify your eligibility directly with OHIP and to check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (613) 798-5555 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.

The Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus
1053 Carling Ave
Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4E9

Phone: (613) 798-5555

Michelle Clarie Theresa Cummings 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: XXX79

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=4dc75235-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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