Sports and Spinal Injury Physiotherapy Clinic

overview

2012-01-25T12:30:00.000-05:00

SSIC is a private physiotherapy clinic specializing in...

sports-related injury recovery
the care of recurring back and neck pain
tendonitis
sprains & strains
accident recovery
post surgical recovery treatments
repetitive injury recovery

we follow the McKenzie Methods...

a practical approach to self-treatment of pain custom-tailored programs for symptom management
with personal guidelines for prevention of further injury

All the literature contained in the link below is relevant to our approach and treatment methods. It is built on proven evidence-based practices.

To learn more about these practices click here
For other information regarding the McKenzie Approach, please call us at (613) 729-8098, or visit the McKenzie Institute International website

our physiotherapists also provide...

acupuncture treatments
manual therapy
personalized exercise program

have a safe & healthy winter...

2012-01-24T16:56:00.000-05:00

"In the 2010-2011 fiscal year, more than 5600 Canadians of all ages were admitted to hospital with serious injuries related to winter sports and recreational activities. Skiing and snowboarding accounted for the largest proportion of serious injuries. (Report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information). Canadians need to be aware when participating in winter activities to follow safe practices and wear the appropriate equipment."
Globe and Mail article by Sheryl Ubelacker

The following activities are what we like to do... or have to do... during the long Canadian winter months. Taking a little care and practising some common sense will help us avoid injuries related to these activities.

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Shovelling:

Most common injuries:

Back injuries

One of the more common causes of back injuries during the winter months. Wrong body mechanics can put undue stress on the lower back leading to painful muscle strain and possibly more series injuries such as herniated discs or disc degeneration

Prevention:

Choose the right shovel: curved or adjustable handles will minimize painful bending
Warm up muscles: brisk walk or march in place for 5-10 minutes, (cool, tight muscles are more prone to injury)
Start early: try to clear snow early to avoid dealing with packed heavy snow
Pace yourself: take frequent brakes and keep hydrated

Always face towards what you intend to lift
Push snow instead of lifting
If you have to lift, squat with legs apart, knees bend, back straight and lift with your legs
Shovel small amounts
Do not throw snow over your shoulders or to the side since it requires you to twist which stresses your back, instead pivot your whole body.
Walk to a new location instead or over-reaching
Check with your doctor as shovelling places high stress on the heart:
Take frequent breaks, drink fluids to prevent dehydration
If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or other signs of a heart attack, stop and get help
If you have a medical condition or do not exercise regularly, consider hiring someone else to shovel

Read the Globe and Mail's original article: The secrets to safe snow shovelling

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Alpine skiing:

Most common injuries:

ligament sprains particularly the knees, head, shoulder and thumb

Prevention:

Seek professional instruction as injuries are more common with beginners
Check your equipment regularly especially your bindings, your boots should be a snug fit
Consider wearing a helmet
Warm-up And cool down: stretch your hamstrings, quadriceps and calves before and after skiing
Stop when you feel tired; you are more likely to injure yourself when tired
Be alert to obstacles and other skiers

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Skating:

Most common injuries:

head, wrist and knees

Prevention:

Make sure your skates are a good fit and have good arch support
Wear a helmet and wrist guards
Warm-up and cool down; stretch your hamstrings, quadriceps and calves before and after skating
Be mindful of your posture to improve balance and help prevent falls
Stop when you feel tired

How massage aids muscle healing

2012-01-04T18:32:00.000-05:00

Works like anti-inflammatory pills

Massage helps relieve pain in damaged muscles by sending anti-inflammation messages to muscle cells, Canadian researchers have found.

Athletes have long sought massages to relieve pain and promote recovery. Despite reports that long-term massage therapy reduces chronic pain such as back pain, the biological effects of massage on muscles weren't known.

Now scientists at McMaster University in Hamilton have found evidence at the cellular level that massage blunts muscle pain in a similar way to anti-inflammatory pills.

Click this link to view the video report or to read the full report...

what is pain?

2012-01-04T09:10:00.000-05:00

At the Sports & Spinal Injury Clinic,
we are often asked this seemingly simple question...

“What is pain?”

The answer can be very simple... or rather complex...
depending on the type of pain you are experiencing.

We found this video on the web and would like to share it with you.
It answers the question in an informative and entertaining way.

the McKenzie Method

2011-12-13T07:25:00.000-05:00

The McKenzie Method is a system of evaluating and treating spinal disorders as well as problems with the joints or muscles of the arms or legs. It is practiced extensively throughout the world in 40 countries and five continents. The majority of clinicians using this method in Canada are physiotherapists.

why is this different to other treatments?

You are encouraged to take an active role in your own recovery with the emphasis being on self-treatment.

Assessment:

On your first visit, a McKenzie trained clinician will give you a thorough examination, which is designed to determine what may be causing your pain. From this, we will create and train you in your own personalized treatment program.

Prevention:

During the course of treatment, you will be shown how to prevent and manage future related problems.
We will also develop a custom maintenance program for you to deal with any sudden attacks of pain.

Education:

We are committed to providing education to help empower you to self treat. We also carry published books on this method available for your use.

read more...

Health Watch video report on the McKenzie Method

services offered

2011-12-11T19:17:00.001-05:00

medical services...

The combined expertise of our team of medical professionals working together guarantees that clients receive the highest standard of care.

physiotherapy...

Each physiotherapist working at the Sports and Spinal Injury Clinic is an experienced professional who has specialized in the treatment of musculo-skeletal injuries. All therapists have post-graduate training in Sports Medicine and the McKenzie Approach to the treatment of spinal problems.

We specialize in the care of:

Sudden or recurring back pain.
Sudden or recurring neck pain.
Tendonitis, sprains and strains...
associated with active lifestyles and repetitive use occupations (eg, musicians, computer users, gardeners...)

All of our therapists actively participate in a number of sports and have a sound understanding of the bio-mechanics of their preferred activiies.
These are among the actiivites that we understand and participate in: running, biking, golfing, canoeing, kayaking, equestrian pursuits, piano, baseball, soccer, hiking, swimming, hockey, skiing and curling. As much as we know how to treat injuries incurred from Luge, Skeleton or Bobsleighing, we are actually too chicken to do them ourselves...

massage services...

We are pleased to announce that Sports & Spinal Injury Clinic has a Registered Massage Therapist on-site!
The Sports and Spinal Injury Clinic offers massage therapy to people of all ages as an effective approach to pain management and rehabilitation.

coverage...

During your first visit we will assess your condition and begin treatment.
Services of Bernie Lalonde, MD. are covered by OHIP.
Services of Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists are covered by: Extended Health Coverage (government or private), Veterans Affairs*, Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance*.

* Please check with your insurance provider as you may be entitled to coverage.

Are you in pain? We can help! (613) 729-8098.

meet our team

2011-12-10T19:23:00.000-05:00

medical and therapy staff...

Dr. Bernie Lalonde
MD, Diploma in Sports Medicine

Dr. Lalonde has been involved with sports medicine since the early 70's. Indeed he started the Sports and Spinal Injury Clinic originally at the OAC, then moved it to Carling Ave.
After graduating from the U of O with an M.D. degree, he pursued a career in coaching with the National Alpine Ski team for 6 years before returning to the full time practice of sports medicine. He managed to become national team coach with Whitewater Canada working with the kayak and canoe team at the Barcelona Olympics. His Olympic experience has seen him at 9 Olympic Games either as Physician or coach. He completed the Diploma in Sport Medicine the first year it was offered in '89 and has been actively involved with that organization ever since. He was a member of the exam committee for 13 years and was its chair in the early 90's.
Dr. Lalonde continues to be involved with teaching medical students and residents. His passions in sport are tennis, cycling, x-country and alpine skiing, kayaking, training and anything else that comes along.

Eleanor Cox
Bachelor in Physiotherapy

Eleanor Cox, Sports and Spinal Injury Clinic owner, was educated in Scotland and has been in active practice for over 30 years. Her work included four years in Africa as a volunteer with CUSO.
She has an extensive training in Orthopedic and Sports Medicine and is recognized as an expert in the treatment of spinal problems.
Eleanor enjoys the outdoors, a wide variety of sports and her animals.

physiotherapists...

Each physiotherapist working at the clinic is an experienced professional who has specialized in the treatment of musculo-skeletal injuries. All the therapists have post-graduate training (licensed and registered through their College) in sports medicine and the McKenzie approach to the treatment of spinal problems. We also have a registered massage therapist on staff.

Geneviève Boucher

Bachelor in Physiotherapy

Geneviève Boucher has been practicing physiotherapy for 5 years. She received her Bachelor in Sciences of Physiotherapy at the University of Ottawa. Among completing other post-graduate courses, during her years of practice, she became a certified MDT therapist. She enjoys outdoor activities and sports as well as cooking and music.

Andria Celluci

Master's of Science in Physical Therapy

Andria received her Physical Therapy degree from the University of Toronto in 2005. Among completing post-graduate courses in Acupuncture, Manual Therapy, Myofascial Release and Chronic Pain, she also received her certification in the Mckenzie or MDT method. Andria enjoys working out and dancing.

Brendan Donnelly

Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)

Brendan has studied the newest techniques of his profession.

our administrative team...

Please join us in welcoming Andrée Crowe (photo right) as our new Office Manager. Andrée brings years of experience with a contemporary approach to office administration. Our team looks forward to working with Andrée and to seeing her in action!

Andrée will be working with Jane de Paulsen (photo left), who together will take care of every administrative aspect of your care. Whether it be scheduling appointments or acting as liaison between medical offices and/or insurance companies, Andrée and Jane are here to help you.

contacting us

2011-12-10T19:20:00.000-05:00

convenient & caring

Our promise... you will be treated in an attractive and friendly environment, by professionals whose goal is to ensure your rapid and safe recovery... and return to active living.

Since 2006, we are conveniently located in the medical building beside the Westgate Shopping Mall. All the road construction is now completed on the section of Carling Avenue in front of our building.

In addition to there being lots of FREE PARKING, we are located on major bus routes and there is a coffee and snack shop on the main floor.

View Larger Map

details...

1335 Carling Avenue
Suite 602
Ottawa, ON K1Z 8N8

Telephone: (613) 729-8098

Fax: (613) 729-2149

Office Hours: Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

FAQs

2011-12-10T19:18:00.000-05:00

questions most frequently asked of us...

Do patients require a doctor's referral for physiotherapy?
No. The SSIC is a primary care practitioner and does not require a referral. However, medical insurers may request one.

How can a potential patient access the services of a sports medicine doctor?
Contact SSIC at (613) 729-8098, or via the New Patient Registration Form tab, for an appointment with Dr. Bernie Lalonde.

Are all of the SSIC practitioners accredited?
Yes, each of our therapists is licensed and registered through their College.

Are the services offered by SSIC covered by OHIP?
Yes, visits to Dr. Lalonde are OHIP covered. Although visits to Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists are not covered by OHIP, they are covered by many public and private insurance plans.

Will SSIC charge a fee for canceled appointments?
There is no cancellation fee if SSIC is advised 24 hours in advance of a scheduled appointment. For other missed appointments a $10.00 fee will apply.