Vepronia Abd El Malek – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Vepronia Abd El Malek is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa, ON, Vera Malek is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Vera Malek's role involves 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. Vera Malek serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Vepronia Abd El Malek completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2023). With clinical experience, Vera Malek is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Vera Malek has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Vera Malek's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Vera Malek offers consultations in English, French.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• 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: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• 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).

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. Vera Malek can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Vera 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 Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Vera Malek frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders and achieved increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints under the skilled care of Vera Malek. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event with a new lease on life.
• Many individuals seek help from Vera Malek, their physiotherapist, when recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.
• Vera Malek believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be is hindering your ability to handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending, a personalized plan focusing on seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio) can make all the difference.
• It's truly rewarding for Vera Malek to witness patients conquer one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain and experience less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness again.

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

Vera Malek's practice is located at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Dow's Lake Pavilion and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 Vera Malek or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

What are Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)'s operating hours?

CHEO is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call their office or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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

Bring your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), imaging test results (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs), a medication list, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available. Wear comfortable clothing.

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.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage. Contact your insurer before your appointment to understand your plan's specifics (annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, direct billing). If direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer; otherwise, we will provide a receipt for you to submit.

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)
401 Smyth Rd.
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1

Phone: (613) 737-7600

Vepronia Abd El 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: XXX28

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=fb44f7e0-b800-ee11-8f6d-000d3a09c10f

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