Tamara Jean Bond-Vlad – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Tamara Jean Bond-Vlad is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Life Therapies in Ottawa, ON, Tamara is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Tamara 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. Tamara serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Tamara Jean Bond-Vlad completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 1998). With extensive clinical experience, Tamara is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Tamara has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Tamara embraces a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Tamara promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy and utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Tamara Jean Bond-Vlad offers consultations in English.

Tamara Jean Bond-Vlad provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• 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.

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• 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.

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. Tamara can assess your needs.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• 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.

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

• Patients often come to Tamara feeling defeated by pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form and resuming actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury? Tamara works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.
• Tamara believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain is hindering your ability to being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms, a personalized plan focusing on a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being can make all the difference.
• Physiotherapy with Tamara can be a transformative turning point for those affected by numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs. The shared goal is achieving improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community, paving the way for you to enjoy returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Tamara practices at Life Therapies, situated in the Westboro, McKellar Park, Laurentian View neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the National Arts Centre (Southam Hall entrance) 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, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of services. It's crucial to check your individual insurance policy's specific requirements before your first appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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 Ontarians. 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 plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

Is there parking available at or near Life Therapies?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

Life Therapies
307 C Richmond Road, Suite 205
Ottawa, ON, K1Z 6X3

Phone: (613) 442-8939

Tamara Jean Bond-Vlad 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: XXX04

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=4f44c53c-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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