Melanie Robinson – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Melanie Robinson is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus in Ottawa, ON, Melanie Robinson is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Melanie Robinson focuses on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Melanie Robinson serves adults.

Melanie Robinson completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2012). With clinical experience, Melanie Robinson is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Melanie Robinson has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Melanie Robinson employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Melanie Robinson offers consultations in English, French.

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Guidance on hip precautions (if applicable for your surgical approach), a progressive exercise program, and functional retraining after hip surgery to help you achieve your goals.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.

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. Melanie Robinson can assess your needs.

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.

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

• Tired of trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain interfering with getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up? Melanie Robinson uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being and regain your freedom of movement.
• It's truly rewarding for Melanie Robinson to witness patients conquer an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak and experience a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events again.
• The path to recovery from that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit and achieving effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle for taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes often starts with expert guidance. Melanie Robinson, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Struggling with the frustration of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk? Melanie Robinson develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises. This is key to helping you get back to doing operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Melanie Robinson's practice is located at The Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus, situated in the Hintonburg, Civic Hospital, Westboro East neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the National War Memorial and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs (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 waitlists may apply. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy benefits for services in private clinics. You should also verify your eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

How can I book an appointment at The Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (613) 798-5555 during business hours. Alternatively, you may find online booking options available through the hospital's website. Our friendly reception team will assist you in scheduling an appointment.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and improve function. While some assessment or treatment techniques might cause mild, temporary discomfort, your Physiotherapist will work within your tolerance levels and make adjustments as needed. If you experience significant pain, inform your therapist immediately.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first appointment involves a comprehensive assessment, including a discussion of your medical history and symptoms, a physical examination, and the development of a personalized treatment plan. Your therapist will discuss your goals and may begin some initial treatment or provide a home exercise program.

The Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus
1053 Carling Ave
Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4E9

Phone: (613) 798-5555

Melanie Robinson 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: XXX37

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=fcaa01aa-9702-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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