Renee Doris Leahy – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Renee Doris Leahy is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus in Ottawa, ON, Renee Leahy is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Renee Leahy focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Renee Leahy serves adult patients.

Renee Doris Leahy completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Manchester (Graduating Class of 1999). With extensive clinical experience, Renee Leahy is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Renee Leahy has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Renee Leahy empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Renee Leahy employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Renee Leahy utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Renee Leahy offers consultations in English.

Renee Doris Leahy provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• 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.
• 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): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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.

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. Renee Leahy 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain? Renee Leahy develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities. This is key to helping you get back to doing being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many individuals seek help from Renee Leahy, their physiotherapist, when dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours.
• Living with post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery doesn't have to be your norm. Renee Leahy applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up.
• Patients struggling with pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies can find dedicated and compassionate support from Renee Leahy. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as playing in their competitive volleyball league again.

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

Renee Leahy 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. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 or 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 understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

What is The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus'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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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 there parking available at or near The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

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 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 coverage as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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

Phone: (613) 737-8899

Renee Doris Leahy 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: XXX35

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=fa060042-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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