Niamh Aisling Lawlor – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Niamh Aisling Lawlor is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus in Ottawa, ON, Niamh Aisling Lawlor is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Niamh Aisling Lawlor's focus is addressing 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. Niamh Aisling Lawlor also provides 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. Niamh Aisling Lawlor serves adults.

Niamh Aisling Lawlor completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2022). With clinical experience, Niamh Aisling Lawlor is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Niamh Aisling Lawlor has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Pelvic Health Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Niamh Aisling Lawlor employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Niamh Aisling Lawlor offers consultations in English, French.

Niamh Aisling Lawlor provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• 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.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Restoring spinal function, core stability, and body mechanics post-operatively, ensuring a safe progression back to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.

Chronic Pain

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - Supportive Care: Physiotherapy for CRPS aims to manage severe pain, improve mobility and function, desensitize the affected limb, and promote normal use, often using techniques like graded motor imagery, mirror therapy, sensory discrimination training, and gentle graded exercise.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) - Activity Management: Supporting individuals with CFS/ME to manage their symptoms, avoid PEM, and find sustainable ways to engage in activity, often in collaboration with other healthcare providers.
• Fibromyalgia: Physiotherapy approaches for managing the diffuse pain, stiffness, and tenderness associated with fibromyalgia, often involving gentle exercise (e.g., aquatic therapy, tai chi, graded aerobic activity), pain science education, activity pacing, and stress reduction strategies.
• Persistent Post-Surgical Pain (Chronic): Addressing chronic pain syndromes that can unfortunately develop after surgery, focusing on reducing pain, improving movement, and restoring 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. Niamh Aisling Lawlor can assess your needs.

• Pre-Natal (Pregnancy) Physiotherapy: Addressing the unique physical demands of pregnancy with tailored physiotherapy interventions, helping you prevent issues and optimize your well-being.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Post-Natal (Postpartum) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy to address common postpartum issues such as diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation), pelvic floor dysfunction (e.g., incontinence, pain, prolapse symptoms), C-section or perineal scar management, postural changes, and guidance for a safe return to exercise and daily activities after childbirth.

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

• Many find that trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain significantly impacts their ability to going on birdwatching outings in various terrains. Niamh Aisling Lawlor helps patients target understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) and achieved a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience under the skilled care of Niamh Aisling Lawlor. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again with a new lease on life.
• It's truly rewarding for Niamh Aisling Lawlor to witness patients conquer experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy and experience a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play again.
• Struggling with the frustration of pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies? Niamh Aisling Lawlor develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness. This is key to helping you get back to doing actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Niamh Aisling Lawlor practices at The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Ottawa City Hall 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 do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

What are The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus's operating hours?

The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call their office or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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 require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus
501 Smyth Rd.
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6

Phone: (613) 737-8899

Niamh Aisling Lawlor 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: XXX63

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=03fd3289-f022-ed11-9db1-0022486df36c

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