Michelle Laroche – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Michelle Laroche is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Ottawa Physiotherapy & Sport Clinics - Glebe in Ottawa, ON, Michelle Laroche is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Michelle Laroche addresses 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. Michelle Laroche serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Michelle Laroche completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2023). With clinical experience, Michelle Laroche is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Michelle Laroche has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Michelle Laroche employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Michelle Laroche offers consultations in English, French.

Michelle Laroche provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.

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 Laroche can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.

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

• Physiotherapy with Michelle Laroche can be a transformative turning point for those affected by loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury. The shared goal is achieving understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term, paving the way for you to enjoy resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely and a more active, vibrant life.
• When difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort, physiotherapy with Michelle Laroche can help you work towards achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• If recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee is preventing you from fully enjoying safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace, Michelle Laroche offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Many find that experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy significantly impacts their ability to going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again. Michelle Laroche helps patients target improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Michelle Laroche practices at Ottawa Physiotherapy & Sport Clinics - Glebe, situated in the Glebe, Old Ottawa South neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the University of Ottawa 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.

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

In Ontario, you can usually 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 coverage of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

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.

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's essential to check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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.

Ottawa Physiotherapy & Sport Clinics - Glebe
108 Third Avenue
Ottawa, ON, K1S 2J8

Phone: (613) 680-3980

Michelle Laroche 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: XXX76

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6a517fd6-e241-ee11-be6e-000d3a09c78c

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