Olivia Maria Cesaretti – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Olivia Maria Cesaretti is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist) (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at LHSC - Windermere Rd in London, ON, Olivia is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Olivia's focus is managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. This involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Olivia serves adults.

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

Olivia's practice philosophy centers on 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 London community through proactive physiotherapy; and a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Olivia Maria Cesaretti offers consultations in English.

Olivia Maria Cesaretti 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): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Long Covid

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Symptom Management: Managing a wide range of persistent or new symptoms that can occur for weeks, months, or longer after the acute COVID-19 infection, including profound fatigue, breathlessness, 'brain fog' (cognitive issues), muscle weakness, joint pain, exercise intolerance, dizziness, and POTS-like symptoms.

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. Olivia can assess your needs.

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: Comprehensive, often multidisciplinary, programs for individuals with chronic lung conditions (e.g., COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease), with a core physiotherapy component focusing on supervised exercise training (aerobic and strength), breathing techniques, education on managing the condition, and strategies for energy conservation.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Specialized care for heart and lung conditions, focusing on functional improvement, symptom management, and empowering you with strategies for better respiratory and cardiac health. Also includes recovery support after pneumonia or other significant respiratory infections.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: Tailored rehabilitation programs focusing on symptom-guided graded exercise therapy (starting very gently), pacing strategies to manage energy levels (avoiding post-exertional malaise), breathing exercises, functional retraining for daily activities, and education to help individuals recover from the long-term effects of COVID-19.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.

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

• Tired of that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees interfering with participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises? Olivia uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises and regain your freedom of movement.
• Patients often come to Olivia feeling defeated by an awkward gait or limping when I walk. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life and resuming driving for longer periods without neck or back pain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• When pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing cycling longer distances with their cycling club, physiotherapy with Olivia can help you work towards running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• For those whose difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain has made running their usual 5k route without knee pain seem like a distant memory, Olivia's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to running their usual 5k route without knee pain with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Olivia practices at LHSC - Windermere Rd, situated in the Downtown London, North London East neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Does LHSC - Windermere Rd offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While LHSC - Windermere Rd does not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

What are LHSC - Windermere Rd's operating hours?

LHSC - Windermere Rd 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 the clinic or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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.

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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

LHSC - Windermere Rd
339 Windermere Rd., P.O Box 5339
London, ON, N6A 5A5

Phone: (519) 685-8500

Olivia Maria Cesaretti 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: XXX05

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=63e62f1a-bb6b-ef11-a670-002248b11322

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