Andrea Malek – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Andrea Malek is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Champlain Rehab Solutions in Ottawa, ON, Andrea Malek is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Andrea Malek 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. Andrea Malek serves seniors with empathy and support.

Andrea Malek completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McGill University (Graduating Class of 1990). With extensive clinical experience, Andrea Malek is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Andrea Malek has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Andrea Malek empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Andrea Malek adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Andrea Malek offers consultations in English, French.

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

Geriatric

• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: A decline in physical function, muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), and endurance commonly associated with aging or inactivity, sometimes leading to frailty, increased fall risk, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks independently.
• 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).

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Difficulty maintaining stability during standing, walking, or changing positions, which may be due to various factors including age-related changes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal weakness, sensory impairments, or medication side effects, often leading to an increased risk of falls.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).

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. Andrea Malek can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• 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): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.

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

• Rediscover your ability to shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back without the constant burden of sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica. Andrea Malek focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Tired of shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult interfering with being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children? Andrea Malek uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions) and regain your freedom of movement.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Andrea Malek can help you move beyond that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder. The focus is on seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio), enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises.
• Physiotherapy with Andrea Malek can be a transformative turning point for those affected by difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain. The shared goal is achieving getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor, paving the way for you to enjoy travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Andrea Malek's practice is located at Champlain Rehab Solutions in the Britannia, Bayshore, Crystal Beach neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the National War Memorial and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

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 insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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 Champlain Rehab Solutions 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.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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.

Champlain Rehab Solutions
2625 Queensview Dr., Suite 101
Ottawa, ON, K2B 8K2

Phone: (613) 726-9823

Andrea Malek 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: XXX30

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=143abf18-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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