Angela Margaret Robar – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Angela Margaret Robar is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre in Ottawa, ON, Angie Robar is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Angie Robar's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Angie Robar serves adults.

Angela Margaret Robar completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2009). With clinical experience, Angie Robar is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Angie Robar has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Angie Robar employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy; and a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Angie Robar offers consultations in English, French.

Angela Margaret Robar provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• 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.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.
• 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.

Peripheral Nerve

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Addressing conditions affecting nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, aiming to relieve pressure on the nerve, reduce inflammation, restore normal nerve function, and alleviate symptoms.
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Physiotherapy focuses on improving balance, strength, sensation (where possible), reducing fall risk, managing pain, and providing education on foot care (especially for diabetic neuropathy) and adaptive strategies.

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. Angie Robar can assess your needs.

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Baseline concussion testing (if offered by the clinic/practitioner) and evidence-based post-injury management to ensure a safe and effective recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Comprehensive physiotherapy programs designed to maximize quality of life and functional abilities for individuals with conditions like stroke (CVA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, traumatic or acquired brain injury (TBI/ABI), or incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Angie Robar, 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 The Ottawa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Angie Robar frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• It's truly rewarding for Angie Robar to witness patients conquer dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash and experience enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours again.
• If feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort is preventing you from fully enjoying engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands, Angie Robar offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Struggling with the frustration of facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy)? Angie Robar develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease. This is key to helping you get back to doing managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Are you finding that dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) stops you from enjoying cycling longer distances with their cycling club? Angie Robar is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Angie Robar practices at The Ottawa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre, situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Rideau Hall and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm their requirements.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer coverage for physiotherapy. Before your first appointment, contact your insurance provider to understand your plan's specifics, including your annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and whether direct billing is available. If direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion; you'll be responsible for any remaining balance. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing isn't possible, we'll provide a receipt for you to submit to your insurer.

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

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in certain situations (e.g., post-hospitalization, for specific populations) but eligibility is strict and waitlists may exist. Check your private insurance for coverage and verify OHIP eligibility directly with them if needed.

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

Bring your health card, any referral letters, and relevant medical reports or images. If you have private insurance, bring your card and policy details. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy helps you move and stay moving comfortably. Whether you have an acute injury, chronic pain, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your physiotherapist will create a personalized plan using exercises, hands-on techniques, and advice to help you achieve your goals and live a more active life.

What are The Ottawa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre's operating hours?

The Ottawa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre 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. Hours vary, so please call the clinic or check their website for the most up-to-date information.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed varies depending on your condition, its severity, your goals, and your response to treatment. Your physiotherapist will discuss an estimated duration after your initial assessment and will re-evaluate your progress.

The Ottawa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre
505 Smyth Rd.
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M6

Phone: (613) 737-7350

Angela Margaret Robar 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: XXX65

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d2989319-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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