Renée Desjardins – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Renée Desjardins is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CHEO in Ottawa, ON, Renée Desjardins is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Renée Desjardins's role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Renée Desjardins also provides specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents to address developmental delays, congenital conditions (like torticollis), orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and promote optimal motor function and participation.

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

Renée Desjardins demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Renée Desjardins offers consultations in English, French.

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

Developmental

• Coordination Challenges / Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) - Supportive Physiotherapy: Enhancing motor competence, body awareness, and confidence in children with coordination issues through fun and engaging physiotherapy activities tailored to their specific challenges and goals.

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).

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. Renée Desjardins can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Congenital Muscular Torticollis & Plagiocephaly (Flat Head) Treatment: Specialized physiotherapy care to help your baby achieve a centered head position, full neck range of motion, and optimal head shape development.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Pediatric Physiotherapy (Infants, Children & Adolescents): Expert physiotherapy care for a wide range of pediatric physical challenges, promoting healthy movement and lifelong activity.
• 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 Renée Desjardins, 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 CHEO, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Renée Desjardins frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity and achieved achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small under the skilled care of Renée Desjardins. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails with a new lease on life.
• Tired of trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain interfering with comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family? Renée Desjardins uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community and regain your freedom of movement.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit? Renée Desjardins works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.
• At Renée Desjardins's physiotherapy practice, individuals with feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort are guided towards feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.

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

Renée Desjardins practices at CHEO, situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge 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. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 CHEO 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.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at CHEO 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, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Pediatric Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding), Congenital Muscular Torticollis & Plagiocephaly (Flat Head) Treatment, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer, lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. The duration can vary depending on your specific needs and treatment plan.

CHEO
395 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L2

Phone: (613) 737-7600

Renée Desjardins 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: XXX61

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b60a7af9-f439-ee11-bdf4-000d3a09c2ce

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