Alina Diaconu – Physiotherapist | Laval, QC

Alina Diaconu is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Clinique Coup de main Santé in Laval, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Alina’s approach is rooted in compassion and community, ensuring each patient feels heard and supported throughout their healing journey. Her goal is to help individuals regain their mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall well-being through tailored physiotherapy interventions.

Specializing in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, Alina’s expertise includes managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. She also offers comprehensive care for managing conditions affecting the heart and lungs, including COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, and post-COVID symptoms. Her treatment plans often incorporate breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, exercise prescription, and patient education to promote long-term health and independence. Alina serves adults and seniors, ensuring her care is accessible and effective for all ages.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Alina has developed a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy. She believes in a patient-centered philosophy, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Alina emphasizes evidence-based practices and continuous learning to provide the most effective care possible. She is fluent in French and Romanian, allowing her to connect with a diverse community of patients in Laval and beyond.

Alina Diaconu provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• 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.

Cardioresp

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): Physiotherapy interventions for individuals with chronic bronchitis or emphysema, focusing on improving lung function, reducing breathlessness, and increasing ability to perform daily activities.
• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Aiding your recovery, promoting heart health, and helping you achieve an active lifestyle after a cardiac condition through a structured physiotherapy component of cardiac rehab.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• 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. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Alina can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• 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.
• 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): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: A structured physiotherapy approach to address the diverse and often fluctuating symptoms of Long COVID, aiming to improve exercise tolerance gradually, manage fatigue, and support a return to meaningful activities.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Alina. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

At Clinique Coup de main Santé, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Alina frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night? Alina works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours.
• Patients struggling with recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery can find dedicated and compassionate support from Alina. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• Tired of facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) interfering with playing a full game of recreational hockey with your friends? Alina uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Alina practices at Clinique Coup de main Santé, situated in the vibrant Auteuil neighborhood of Laval. The clinic is conveniently located near Centropolis, making it easy for patients to access quality physiotherapy care. The facility is accessible via the Société de transport de Laval (STL), ensuring public transit options are readily available. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiothérapeute will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

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 Physiothérapeute 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.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at Clinique Coup de main Santé treat?

Alina treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries like TMJ dysfunction or jaw pain, nerve pain, and post-COVID symptoms. Her treatments often involve personalized therapeutic exercise prescription, comprehensive musculoskeletal assessments, manual therapy, and patient education to help patients reach their functional goals.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and plays a vital role in delivering care by assisting with treatments, implementing plans, and reporting progress under supervision.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiothérapeute in QC?

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy beforehand.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Coverage may be available for services provided in public hospitals or CLSCs under certain conditions. Most patients pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. It is recommended to verify your specific eligibility with RAMQ and review your private insurance plans for coverage options.

Clinique Coup de main Santé
5320, Boulevard des Laurentides
Laval, QC H7K 2J8

Phone: (450) 625-4242

Alina Diaconu is regulated by the Code des professions and Professional Integration Arrangement for physiotherapists in QC and is a member of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Registration can be verified with the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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