Vinayak Sharma – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Vinayak Sharma is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Communicare Therapy in Ottawa, ON, Vinayak Sharma is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Vinayak Sharma focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Vinayak Sharma serves seniors.

Vinayak Sharma completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Leeds Beckett University (Graduating Class of 2014). With clinical experience, Vinayak Sharma is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Vinayak Sharma has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Vinayak Sharma demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Vinayak Sharma offers consultations in English, Hindi.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.

Geriatric

• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Physiotherapy aimed at improving safe and efficient movement, gait quality (e.g., step length, speed, pattern), balance, and confidence in mobility for seniors. May include assessment and prescription of appropriate mobility aids (e.g., cane, walker).
• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Combating the effects of inactivity and the aging process to help prevent or manage frailty, maintain mobility, and improve overall autonomy and quality of life in seniors.

Neurological

• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: A movement-based therapy approach, often guided by principles of motor learning and de-emphasis on presumed damage, to help individuals with FND regain voluntary control over their physical symptoms and improve confidence in their movements.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Movement therapy designed by a Neuro Physiotherapist to address common Parkinson's symptoms like bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity (stiffness), postural instability (balance problems), freezing of gait, and tremors.

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. Vinayak Sharma can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• 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.
• 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): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.

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

• Rediscover your ability to engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands without the constant burden of pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies. Vinayak Sharma focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury and achieved restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks under the skilled care of Vinayak Sharma. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as walking their children to school or the park with a new lease on life.
• For those whose a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck has made managing their personal care routines independently seem like a distant memory, Vinayak Sharma's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to managing their personal care routines independently with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Patients often come to Vinayak Sharma feeling defeated by dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey and resuming easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Vinayak Sharma practices at Communicare Therapy, situated in the Blackburn Hamlet, Beacon Hill neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Ottawa River Pathway and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 plan, 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).

Is there parking available at or near Communicare Therapy?

Ample free patient parking is available directly in front of and beside the building. Look for the designated patient spots.

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.

Does Communicare Therapy offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Communicare Therapy offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and Blue Cross. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any 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.

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. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan specifics. 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 Communicare Therapy offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can 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.

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. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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.

How can I book an appointment at Communicare Therapy?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic at (613) 738-1884 during business hours. The reception team can assist you in finding a suitable appointment time.

Communicare Therapy
2723 Lancaster Road, #202
Ottawa, ON, K1B 0B1

Phone: (613) 738-1884

Vinayak Sharma 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: XXX42

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=2c1c6d9f-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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