toh

Physiotherapy services are directed towards patients with complex needs with new mobility or respiratory issues who require the specialized skills of a physiotherapist.  Not every patient staying in hospital will need physiotherapy. Our referral guidelines outline clear inclusion and exclusion criteria for referral to Physiotherapy.  For patients needing inpatient physiotherapy, a referral can be made through any member of the health care team.

Inpatient physiotherapy services are offered on many units at The Civic, General, Heart Institute and Rehabilitation Centre campuses.

Assessment

A referral is required before patients are assessed in order to determine whether physiotherapy can address a patient’s specific needs and functional goals.

Patients are assessed by a registered Physiotherapist. The Physiotherapist will consider everything from a patient’s overall medical condition to their social history to establish a goal-oriented program.

Based on this assessment, the team, in collaboration with the patient, will develop patient-specific goals to work towards the best possible results.

Treatment

Patients who need physiotherapy will receive an individualized treatment plan that works toward their specific goals. This plan may address one or more of the following areas:

• Mobility: including positioning, transfers, walking, stairs
• Breathing: including assessment and monitoring of lung functions and lung hygiene, as well as respiratory support
• Neurological: including balance, coordination
• Function: Range of motion, strength, pain management
• Recommendations: equipment prescription/rental, self-management, home exercise program, appropriate community resources

Transition to the community

Our dedicated team will work with you and your family to identify what is needed to facilitate your transition to community living. This may include:

• Specific day-to-day abilities (e.g. climbing stairs)
• Use of equipment (e.g. walkers)
• Access to community services (e.g. Home and Community Care – LHIN)

The Ottawa Hospital therapists will provide you with information to help maintain your progress after discharge by developing a discharge plan specific to your needs.

What if I require further physiotherapy once I am discharged from the hospital?

Your physiotherapist will recommend the most appropriate option(s) for follow-up therapy.

These may include:

• Home and Community Care – LHIN
• Publicly-funded physiotherapy
• Privately-funded physiotherapy in your community

Who will be on my physiotherapy team?

The physiotherapy team includes Physiotherapists, Rehabilitation Assistants and Physiotherapist Assistants.

• The Physiotherapist (PT) is your partner in evaluating and restoring strength, endurance, movement and physical abilities affected by your injury, disease or disability.
• Under the supervision of a registered Physiotherapist, the Physiotherapist Assistant or Rehabilitation Assistant (PTA or RA) provides therapeutic interventions as assigned by the Physiotherapist.

Last updated on: July 11th, 2019