Stacey Lynn Hickey – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Stacey Lynn Hickey is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa, ON, Stacey Hickey is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Stacey Hickey addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Stacey Hickey serves adults.

Stacey Lynn Hickey completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Dalhousie University (Graduating Class of 2002). With extensive clinical experience, Stacey Hickey is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Stacey Hickey has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Stacey Hickey's practice philosophy centers on 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. Stacey Hickey offers consultations in English.

Stacey Lynn Hickey provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.

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. Stacey Hickey can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Stacey Hickey, 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 Queensway Carleton Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Stacey Hickey frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending without the constant burden of pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints). Stacey Hickey focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• The path to recovery from recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) and achieving decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues for swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation often starts with expert guidance. Stacey Hickey, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Stacey Hickey can help you move beyond working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery. The focus is on a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• Stacey Hickey frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back.

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

Stacey Hickey practices at Queensway Carleton Hospital, situated in the Bells Corners, Lynwood Village neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Lord Elgin Hotel 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.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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 Queensway Carleton Hospital 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.

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Queensway Carleton Hospital or your Physiotherapist directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Queensway Carleton Hospital
3045 Baseline Rd.
Ottawa, ON, K2H 8P4

Phone: (613) 721-2000

Stacey Lynn Hickey 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: XXX47

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=3ff5353b-8d02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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