Sports Physiotherapy in Ottawa
30-minute one-on-one sessions, and you see the same physiotherapist every visit. Our team includes a practitioner who worked at the FIFA World Cup and a former Canadian Armed Forces medic.
Associated With
How We Work With Athletes
Physios Who Work With Elite Athletes
Our team includes a former Canadian Armed Forces medic, a FIFA World Cup physiotherapist, and clinicians who treat Team Canada athletes every week. You get care built on real sports medicine experience.
30 Minutes, One-on-One, Every Visit
You get a full 30 minutes with your physiotherapist, and the same one treats you every session. That means we don't repeat questions or restart your progress between visits.
TECAR Therapy
TECAR uses radiofrequency energy to create warmth deep in the tissue. We use it alongside manual therapy and exercise to help settle muscle tightness and soreness, so you can get back to training and loading the area properly.
Physiotherapists + Chiropractors, Same Roof
We have physiotherapists and chiropractors in the same building, talking to each other about your case. If your injury needs more than one set of hands, you won't be referred out — you'll be handed across the hall.
Sports Physiotherapy for Every Kind of Athlete
We treat athletes at every level — because injury doesn’t care what league you’re in. Whether you train for a podium or for stress relief after a long week, your recovery matters to us.
- Team Canada members and national-team athletes
- University and college athletes
- Runners, cyclists, and triathletes (IRONMAN, marathon, sprint tri)
- CrossFit and functional fitness athletes
- Combat sports: boxing, MMA, BJJ, Muay Thai
- Team sports: soccer, hockey, basketball, volleyball, football
- Racquet sports: tennis, squash, pickleball, badminton
- Climbing and outdoor athletes
- Youth athletes (with parent present)
- Post-surgery rehab patients
- Weekend warriors and gym regulars
- Dancers and performing artists
Sports Injuries We See Every Week
Ligament Sprains (Knee & Ankle)
If you heard a pop when you cut on the field, felt a sudden twist on the trail, or rolled your ankle stepping off a curb — you may have sprained a ligament. Sprains range from minor stretch injuries to full tears.
How we help: We assess the injury with hands-on testing, then build a plan that may include shockwave therapy, targeted exercise, and taping. How long recovery takes depends on the grade of the sprain and how you respond. We’ll tell you what we find on day one.
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is the cushion in your knee. A hard plant-and-twist — common in soccer, skiing, and basketball — can tear it. You’ll often feel locking, catching, or pain with squats.
How we help: Not every meniscus tear needs surgery. Depending on what the assessment finds, we use manual therapy and progressive loading. If we think you need a surgical opinion, we’ll tell you. For broader sports knee injury treatment, our team also handles ACL recovery, runner’s knee, and post-surgical rehab.
Hamstring Strains
A hamstring strain usually happens mid-sprint or during a deep lunge. You’ll feel a sharp pull in the back of your thigh. Severity decides how long you’re out.
How we help: We start with settling symptoms and gentle movement, then progress to loading exercises and sport-specific drills. How long it takes depends on the grade of the strain and how you respond.
Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
If you feel a sharp ache along your shin bone — especially when you start running or jumping — you may have shin splints. It’s common in runners, basketball players, and anyone who ramped up training too fast.
How we help: Shin splints are usually a load problem. We look at your running gait, check your footwear, and may recommend custom orthotics, alongside manual therapy and a graded return-to-run plan.
Rotator Cuff Injuries (Torn or Impinged)
If you can’t lift your arm overhead without pain, feel weakness reaching behind your back, or dread throwing — your rotator cuff may be the issue. Swimmers, volleyball players, tennis players, and overhead lifters see this most.
How we help: We use shockwave therapy, dry needling, and targeted strengthening to work on the shoulder. Many rotator cuff problems are managed without surgery. For more detail, see our shoulder physiotherapy page.
Groin Strains
A groin strain hits when your inner thigh muscles get overstretched — think soccer kicks, hockey lateral movement, or a slip on ice. You’ll feel pain pulling your legs together or taking a wide step.
How we help: Groin strains respond well to hands-on treatment and progressive loading. We assess the hip, pelvis, and nearby muscles, because weakness elsewhere can contribute to the strain.
Treatment Methods Built for Athletes
TECAR uses radiofrequency energy to create warmth deep in the tissue, which increases blood flow and helps muscles relax. We use it alongside manual therapy and exercise for muscle tightness, soft-tissue soreness, and post-surgical rehab once your surgeon has cleared you. We use the Winback Back 1S, a Class II medical device licensed by Health Canada (licence 109716).
Focused sound waves applied to stubborn tendon problems. One of our most-used tools for plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Fine needles placed in specific points to reduce pain and release tight muscles. Widely used in sports recovery.
Custom-moulded insoles that correct foot mechanics and reduce impact on ankles, knees, and hips. Often used for runners, court sport athletes, and people with foot pain.
Therapeutic Taping
Kinesiology tape and rigid taping support injured tissues so you can keep moving without re-injuring yourself. Used for everything from ankle sprains to shoulder issues.
The Team Behind Your Recovery
Leyla Sefiddashti
Physiotherapy Resident
Master's in Sports Physiotherapy, 7+ Years With Pro Athletes
Leyla holds a Master of Science in Sports Physiotherapy, a graduate degree built entirely around athletic injury. She’s spent over seven years working with professional athletes, earned the Ontario Physiotherapy Association Scholarship in Rehabilitation, and is certified in dry needling, myofascial release, corrective exercise, and kinesio taping. If your knee or ankle keeps failing you on the field, Leyla is the person who figures out why it keeps happening — not just how to make it feel better today.
Treats: Knee and ankle injuries, chronic sports injuries, functional movement screening, return-to-sport rehab.
Ghaith Dhaidan
Physiotherapist
Former Canadian Armed Forces Medic
Ghaith spent years treating soldiers as a Canadian Armed Forces medic. He now brings that experience to athletes at every level — from hip impingements that stop you from squatting, to post-surgical rehab that needs precision and patience. Patients love his ability to explain why you got hurt, not just what to do about it.
Treats: Hip, knee, and shoulder injuries. Post-surgical rehab. Weightlifters, CrossFit athletes, and runners.
Anass Ouliouel
Physiotherapy Resident
Worked at the FIFA World Cup · IRONMAN Finisher
Anass has worked at the highest level of world sport — including the FIFA World Cup. He’s also an IRONMAN finisher, which means he treats athletes as someone who trains and competes alongside them. If you run, cycle, swim, or play team sports, Anass gets it.
Treats: Endurance athletes, soccer players, post-race recovery, overuse injuries.
Dr. Abed
Hamidi
Chiropractor
Combat Sports & High-Performance Care
Dr. Abed works with much of Ottawa’s combat sports community, for injury recovery and for maintenance between camps. His style is direct, hands-on, and focused on getting you back in action without wasted visits.
Treats: Combat athletes, contact sport injuries, high-performance maintenance care.
Your First Sports Physiotherapy Visit — Step by Step
We know booking a first appointment feels like an unknown. Here’s exactly what happens.
Step 1: Full Assessment (First 15 Minutes)
Your physio takes a detailed history, runs hands-on tests, and checks your movement. You’ll leave this part with a clear picture of what’s hurt and why.
Step 2: Treatment Plan (Next 5 Minutes)
We walk you through what we think is going on, how many sessions you’ll likely need, and what you should and shouldn’t do between visits. No surprises, no upsells.
Step 3: First Treatment (Last 10 Minutes)
Most patients get hands-on treatment at their first visit. We don’t believe in “come back tomorrow and we’ll start.” You came to feel better. We start today.
Step 4: Your Home Plan
You leave with 2–4 exercises, usually filmed on our in-house app so you can follow along. Recovery happens between visits as much as during them.
Real Results from Real Patients
These are individual patient experiences. Results are not typical and will not be the same for everyone. What treatment suits you depends on your assessment.
Trusted by people like you
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Physiotherapy
What does a sports physiotherapist do?
A sports physiotherapist treats injuries caused by sport and exercise — and helps athletes return to performance safely. That includes hands-on treatment, exercise prescription, movement assessment, and injury prevention. Sports physios also guide you on training load, recovery, and when it’s safe to return to competition.
Sports physiotherapy vs. regular physiotherapy — what's the difference?
A regular physiotherapist treats a wide range of conditions — from post-surgery recovery to office-related neck pain. A sports physiotherapist focuses on athletes and active people. The training, testing, and treatment plans are built around one goal: return you to performance, not just daily life. If you play a sport, train seriously, or have a physical job, a sports physio will understand your goals better.
How much does sports physiotherapy cost in Ontario?
Sports physiotherapy in Ontario typically costs $90–$130 per 30-minute session. At Kent Chiro-Med, every session is one-on-one with the same physio every visit. Most extended health plans cover physiotherapy — we direct bill to major insurers so you don’t pay out of pocket.
Do I need a doctor's referral for sports physio?
In Ontario, you don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist at Kent Chiro-Med. Some insurance plans require one for reimbursement — check with your provider. If you need a referral and don’t have a family doctor, we can help guide you.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions is individualised according to the condition and your response, and is reassessed as treatment progresses. Your physiotherapist will talk you through what to expect after your first assessment. We don’t sell packages up front.
Can I get treatment if I'm injured today?
Usually yes. We almost always have same-week openings for new patients. Book online or call the front desk. For urgent injuries — acute sprains, possible fractures — we’ll work to get you in the next business day.
Does insurance cover sports physiotherapy?
Most extended health plans cover physiotherapy and chiropractic care. We direct bill to Sun Life, Manulife, Green Shield, Canada Life, and most major insurers. If you’re treated for a work injury, WSIB covers care at approved clinics. For motor vehicle accident injuries, physiotherapy is covered under your auto insurance.
Are your treatments painful?
We work with your pain tolerance. Some treatments — like shockwave or deep tissue work — can feel uncomfortable during the session. We always explain what you’ll feel before we do anything, and we never push past your tolerance. Some mild soreness after a session is normal; sharp pain is not. Tell your physio and we’ll adjust.
I'm not sure if physio will help. What should I do?
Book a free 15-minute consultation. You’ll meet a physio, talk through your injury, and get an honest answer on whether we can help — or whether you need a different kind of care. No pressure, no cost, no booking required.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book your first sports physiotherapy visit. We’ll assess what’s going on, tell you what we think, and start treatment the same day where it’s appropriate.
What time works best for you?
Monday – Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
9 AM – 6 PM
9 AM – 3 PM
8 AM – 3 PM
Closed