Wendi Colleen Smith – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Wendi Colleen Smith is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Sports Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Carleton Sport Medicine Clinic in Ottawa, ON, Wendi Smith is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Wendi Smith specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Care is tailored to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Wendi Smith serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Wendi Colleen Smith completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2004). With extensive clinical experience, Wendi Smith is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Wendi Smith has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Sports Physiotherapy.

Wendi Smith empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; Wendi Smith promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy; Wendi Smith employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Wendi Smith offers consultations in English.

Wendi Colleen Smith 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
• 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.

Post Surgical

• 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.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.

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. Wendi Smith can assess your needs.

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.

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

• At Wendi Smith's physiotherapy practice, individuals with feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be are guided towards the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends.
• Patients struggling with recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches can find dedicated and compassionate support from Wendi Smith. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Wendi Smith's clinic, common concerns like difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.
• Wendi Smith believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia is hindering your ability to managing their personal care routines independently, a personalized plan focusing on learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress can make all the difference.

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

Wendi Smith's practice is located at the Carleton Sport Medicine Clinic in the Glebe, Old Ottawa South neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Dow's Lake Pavilion 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.

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 understand their specific requirements for physiotherapy reimbursement.

What are Carleton Sport Medicine Clinic's operating hours?

Carleton Sport Medicine Clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners may offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the clinic at [Clinic Phone Number] or check their website for the most up-to-date information and specific practitioner availability.

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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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 Carleton Sport Medicine Clinic 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.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams, but eligibility criteria are strict. Most people access physiotherapy through private clinics and use private insurance to cover the costs. It is essential to check with your private insurance provider to understand your coverage.

Carleton Sport Medicine Clinic
1125 Colonel By Drive, Carleton University Ice House
Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6

Phone: (613) 520-3511

Wendi Colleen Smith 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: XXX79

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9cdde4e5-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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