Sarah Elizabeth Bigford – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Sarah Elizabeth Bigford is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa, ON, Sarah Bigford is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sarah Bigford's role involves 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. Sarah Bigford serves a diverse range of patients.

Sarah Elizabeth Bigford completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2001). With clinical experience, Sarah Bigford is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sarah Bigford has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Sarah Bigford employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Sarah Bigford offers consultations in English, French.

Sarah Elizabeth Bigford provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

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): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): A common overuse injury in active individuals and athletes, sometimes referred to as 'runner's knee' or 'anterior knee pain', often related to biomechanical issues in how the kneecap tracks.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Damage to muscle tissue that can range from minor micro-tears to more significant partial or complete tears, impacting strength, power, and range of motion.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.

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. Sarah Bigford can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Sarah Bigford, 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 Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Sarah Bigford frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) and achieved feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey under the skilled care of Sarah Bigford. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain with a new lease on life.
• With Sarah Bigford's help, managing shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult to achieve a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks.
• The journey to running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form when faced with persistent recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) is made smoother and more effective with Sarah Bigford's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty.
• At Sarah Bigford's physiotherapy practice, individuals with that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit are guided towards developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips.

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

Sarah Bigford practices at Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Carlingwood Shopping Centre and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Does Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While CHEO does not offer direct billing, they provide detailed official receipts for submission to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including 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.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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 (direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your appointment.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best. Shorts are helpful for lower-body treatments, and a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable for upper-body treatments.

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.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) treat?

Physiotherapists at CHEO treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy helps you move effectively and comfortably. Your Physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active life.

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)
401 Smyth Rd.
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1

Phone: (613) 737-7600

Sarah Elizabeth Bigford 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: XXX45

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=637c50ed-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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