Nickolas Benoit – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Nickolas Benoit is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist). Practicing at Optimize Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine in Ottawa, ON, Nick is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Nick focuses on 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. Nick serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Nickolas Benoit completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2024). With clinical experience, Nickolas Benoit is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Nickolas Benoit has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Nick's practice philosophy centers on 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; and a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Nickolas Benoit offers consultations in English, French, Spanish.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily 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. Nick can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• 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): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise? Nick works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• For those whose feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort has made attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation seem like a distant memory, Nick's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• It's truly rewarding for Nick to witness patients conquer recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches and experience a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails again.
• At Nick's physiotherapy practice, individuals with clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk are guided towards feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air.

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

Nick practices at Optimize Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine, situated in the Hunt Club West, Riverside South, Ottawa Airport Area neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Westgate Shopping Centre 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 types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Optimize Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD)), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription, Stretching & Flexibility Programs, and patient education to help you achieve your functional 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/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 determine their specific requirements before your first appointment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

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.

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 is strongly advised that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What is Optimize Physiotherapy & Sports 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 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 may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

Optimize Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine
3771 Spratt Rd., Unit 4
Ottawa, ON, K1V 2P3

Phone: (613) 425-4211

Nickolas Benoit 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: XXX72

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=693ba173-4e63-ef11-a670-002248b11322

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