Melanie White

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

Peripheral Nerve

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Symptoms such as localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by mechanical compression or irritation of peripheral nerves at specific anatomical sites (entrapment points).
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Improving safety, function, and quality of life for those with impaired sensation or strength due to various types of peripheral neuropathy.

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 White 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).
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Convenient access to expert physiotherapy services from the comfort of your home, office, or any location with an internet connection, ideal for those with busy schedules, living in remote areas, or preferring virtual care.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Melanie White, 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. Melanie White frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air without the constant burden of difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain. Melanie White focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Melanie White believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain is hindering your ability to participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf, a personalized plan focusing on feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day can make all the difference.
• With Melanie White's help, managing that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit to achieve enhanced ability to participate in social and community events becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips.
• At Melanie White's physiotherapy practice, individuals with trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip are guided towards greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.

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

Melanie White 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 the Department of National Defence (Louis St. Laurent Building) and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 Ontarians. 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 waitlists may apply. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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 (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Does The Ottawa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact The Ottawa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre directly to inquire about their direct billing policies with private insurance companies. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment and confirm your specific coverage details with your insurance provider, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

Is there parking available at or near The Ottawa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre?

Please contact The Ottawa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre directly to confirm parking availability and options. Check for any time limits or restrictions.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact The Ottawa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

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

Phone: (613) 737-7350

Melanie White 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: XXX87

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=7223ddeb-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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