Aliza Friedman – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Aliza Friedman is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Centre de Santé Meraki in Montréal, QC, Aliza is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach focuses on addressing each patient’s unique needs with compassion, professionalism, and a community-oriented mindset. Aliza believes in fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to actively participate in their recovery journey, promoting both healing and long-term wellness.

Aliza's expertise encompasses a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. She specializes in helping patients recover from acute injuries such as sprains and strains, managing chronic pain, arthritis, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Her compassionate care extends to assisting individuals coping with neurological conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries, aiming to improve mobility, reduce symptoms, and enhance overall quality of life. She also welcomes children of all ages, from infants to teenagers, providing tailored physiotherapy interventions to support their growth and development.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Aliza continuously expands her skills through ongoing professional development. Her educational background and clinical experience have sharpened her expertise in orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and neurological physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy emphasizes empowering patients through education, proactive prevention, and personalized treatment plans, ensuring that each individual receives care that is both effective and respectful of their personal goals. Aliza is fluent in English and French, enabling her to serve Montréal’s diverse community with ease and warmth.

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

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.

Common Msk

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.

Neurological

• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Physiotherapy aimed at maintaining optimal function, managing contractures (joint stiffness), optimizing mobility (including prescription of mobility aids), adapting activities, and managing respiratory function (if applicable) for individuals with progressive muscle weakness due to muscular dystrophy or other myopathies.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy addressing physical impairments following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or acquired brain injury (ABI), including issues with balance, coordination, strength, mobility, spasticity, endurance, and cognitive-physical integration.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy for weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, often affecting one side of the face (e.g., Bell's Palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, post-surgical facial nerve injury).

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Aliza can assess your needs.

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• 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.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Aliza. 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 Centre de Santé Meraki, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Aliza frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Aliza can help you move beyond trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain. The focus is on getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.
• Living with my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night doesn't have to be your norm. Aliza applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.
• Aliza frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets improved performance in work-related physical demands and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like getting on and off the floor with ease.

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

Aliza practices at Centre de Santé Meraki, situated in a modern clinic located in the heart of Montréal's central neighborhood. The facility is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring easy travel for those using buses and metro services. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

Most physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Certain services received within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private health insurance plans for coverage options.

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.

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 Physiothérapeute 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.

How can I book an appointment at Centre de Santé Meraki?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (514) 933-3393 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website at www.centredesantemeraki.com. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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 Physiothérapeute has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

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 insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to ensure coverage.

Centre de Santé Meraki
1445, Rue Lambert-Closse, 1
Montréal, QC H3H 1Z5

Phone: (514) 933-3393

Aliza Friedman 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.