Samantha Stergaros – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Samantha Stergaros is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Core Sports & Manual Physiotherapy in Ottawa, ON, Samantha Stergaros is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Samantha Stergaros's focus is 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. Samantha Stergaros serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Samantha Stergaros completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 1996). With extensive clinical experience, Samantha Stergaros is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Samantha Stergaros has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Samantha Stergaros employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Samantha Stergaros offers consultations in English, French, Greek.

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

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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.

Sports Injury

• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue (periosteum) around the tibia, which requires rest, activity modification, and specific physiotherapy interventions for recovery.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.

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. Samantha Stergaros can assess your needs.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.

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

• Many find that wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night significantly impacts their ability to using garden tools effectively and without pain. Samantha Stergaros helps patients target improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Are you finding that general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden stops you from enjoying participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises? Samantha Stergaros is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• The path to recovery from my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night and achieving a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence for engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands often starts with expert guidance. Samantha Stergaros, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Living with feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort doesn't have to be your norm. Samantha Stergaros applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of going on birdwatching outings in various terrains.

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

Samantha Stergaros practices at Core Sports & Manual Physiotherapy, situated in the Fisher Heights, City View, Skyline neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the National Gallery of Canada and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics for most Ontarians. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific circumstances, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. It's essential to check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

What are Core Sports & Manual Physiotherapy's operating hours?

Core Sports & Manual Physiotherapy is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Core Sports & Manual Physiotherapy treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, 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 general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

Core Sports & Manual Physiotherapy
77B Colonnade Road North
Ottawa, ON, K2E 0A8

Phone: (613) 228-2673

Samantha Stergaros 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: XXX48

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=8ebf15b8-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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