Victoria Naomi Szwajcer – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Victoria Naomi Szwajcer is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Neurologic Physiotherapy in Ottawa, ON, Victoria Szwajcer is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Victoria Szwajcer's role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Victoria Szwajcer also offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. Victoria Szwajcer aims to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and reduce fall risk. Victoria Szwajcer serves adults.

Victoria Naomi Szwajcer completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2000). With extensive clinical experience, Victoria Szwajcer is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Victoria Szwajcer has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation and Neurological Physiotherapy.

Victoria Szwajcer empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Victoria Szwajcer employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Victoria Szwajcer offers consultations in English.

Victoria Naomi Szwajcer provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, cognitive difficulties (e.g., 'brain fog', memory issues), fatigue, and emotional changes. Post-Concussion Syndrome refers to symptoms persisting beyond the typical recovery window.

Neurological

• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises and techniques provided by a Physiotherapist to manage symptoms of facial palsy and support optimal recovery of facial muscle control.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Utilizing evidence-based neuroplasticity principles, motor relearning techniques, and task-specific training to help stroke survivors improve movement and achieve their functional goals.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Physiotherapy as a key component of a multidisciplinary approach for Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND), focusing on movement retraining, normalizing movement patterns that may be abnormal (e.g., tremor, weakness, gait disturbance, dystonia), and improving functional abilities.

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. Victoria Szwajcer can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): In-home rehabilitation programs tailored to your living space and functional needs, helping you regain independence with daily activities, manage pain, and improve mobility where you live.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Effective virtual physiotherapy care to help you manage your condition, progress your rehabilitation, and receive professional advice when in-person visits are challenging or not preferred.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach to help you navigate your recovery after a concussion, promoting symptom resolution and safe resumption of activities.

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

• For those whose knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run has made dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks seem like a distant memory, Victoria Szwajcer's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Patients often come to Victoria Szwajcer feeling defeated by recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease and resuming enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• The path to recovery from that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity and achieving implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life for engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands often starts with expert guidance. Victoria Szwajcer, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Tired of awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) interfering with participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf? Victoria Szwajcer uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Victoria Szwajcer practices at Neurologic Physiotherapy, situated in the Bells Corners, Lynwood Village neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Parliament Buildings 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 typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required for an appointment, some private health insurance plans may require one for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm their specific requirements.

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

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. OHIP may cover physiotherapy in specific circumstances, such as after a hospital stay for certain conditions or for some individuals through specific programs (e.g., children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams). Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. To determine your eligibility, contact OHIP directly. Most patients will need to rely on private insurance for coverage of physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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 Neurologic Physiotherapy 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.

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 Neurologic Physiotherapy or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

What is Neurologic Physiotherapy'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 (no-shows). Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your 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.

Neurologic Physiotherapy
31 Northside Rd., Suite 201
Ottawa, ON, K2H 8S1

Phone: (613) 721-2738

Victoria Naomi Szwajcer 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: XXX76

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=60a26eab-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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