Paul Michael Fortin – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Paul Michael Fortin is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Sports Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Optimize Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine in Ottawa, ON, Paul Fortin is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Paul Fortin specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Care is tailored to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Paul Fortin serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Paul Michael Fortin completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Glasgow Caledonian University (Graduating Class of 2018). With clinical experience, Paul Fortin is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Paul Fortin has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Sports Physiotherapy.

Paul Fortin demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Paul Fortin offers consultations in English.

Paul Michael Fortin provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• 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.

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. Paul Fortin can assess your needs.

• Orthopedic Bracing & Support Consultation/Fitting: Helping you choose and correctly use the best brace or support for your specific needs, ensuring proper fit and optimal benefit for your condition.
• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription (if offered/certified): Providing individualized foot supports created from a precise mold of your feet to improve comfort, alignment, reduce pain, and enhance function during walking, running, or standing.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Therapeutic & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid): Application of various supportive and therapeutic taping techniques (e.g., elastic Kinesio tape for proprioception and muscle facilitation, McConnell taping for patellar tracking, rigid athletic tape for joint support) to protect joints, support muscles, reduce pain, manage swelling, or improve movement patterns.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Paul Fortin, 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. Paul Fortin frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity when faced with persistent pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard is made smoother and more effective with Paul Fortin's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing.
• Living with recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist doesn't have to be your norm. Paul Fortin applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of an awkward gait or limping when I walk? Paul Fortin works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.
• With Paul Fortin's help, managing awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) to achieve improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises.

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

Paul Fortin 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 Carleton University 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.

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.

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 Optimize Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

Is there parking available at or near Optimize Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine?

Our clinic has a small number of dedicated parking spots at the rear of the building, accessible via a rear alleyway. Additional street parking is available, but please check local signage for time limits or restrictions.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your appointment.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

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

Phone: (613) 425-4211

Paul Michael Fortin 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: XXX52

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=77015b5a-d6d3-e811-8175-480fcff4f671

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