Allison Gardos – Physiotherapist | Côte-Saint-Luc, QC

Allison Gardos is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at STEP BY STEP in Côte-Saint-Luc, 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). With a focus on performance and athletic rehabilitation, Allison works closely with active individuals, athletes, and those seeking to optimize their movement, strength, and functional capacity. Her approach emphasizes evidence-based treatments tailored to each patient's unique goals, whether recovering from injury or enhancing athletic performance.
Allison’s scope encompasses addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to managing chronic pain, arthritis, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She also specializes in neurological rehabilitation, assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, and managing symptoms following neurological events such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson’s Disease. Allison serves patients of all ages, from infants and young children through to adults and seniors, ensuring personalized care at every stage of life.
With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Allison has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous learning to deliver the best care possible. Allison believes in empowering patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies, fostering a collaborative approach to achieve optimal movement and health. Allison is fluent in English, French, and Yiddish.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.
• 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.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.

Back Neck Pain

• 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: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.

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

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy to address persistent concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, and difficulty concentrating or tolerating activity.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Specialized therapeutic interventions provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to assist individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, balance, coordination, strength, and independence following a neurological event or diagnosis.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• 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.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Customized exercise-based programs (e.g., gaze stabilization, habituation, balance retraining exercises) prescribed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist to reduce vestibular symptoms, improve functional balance, decrease fall risk, and enhance confidence in movement.

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

• Patients often come to Allison feeling defeated by feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues and resuming shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• For those whose feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort has made being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house seem like a distant memory, Allison's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Don't let knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run dictate what you can and cannot do. Allison offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand), helping you reclaim standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Allison practices at STEP BY STEP, situated within a private clinic in the central Côte-Saint-Luc neighborhood of Côte-Saint-Luc. This accessible facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to reach. The clinic is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring convenient access for those using public transportation. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

What are STEP BY STEP's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (XXX) XXX-XXXX or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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

RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC (if meeting their criteria) might be covered, but private clinic physiotherapy is usually not. It is advisable to verify your specific eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiothérapeute to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy before your appointment.

STEP BY STEP
5722, Avenue Mcalear
Côte-Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2G9

Phone: (514) 804-8925 | Website: www.physiostepbystep.ca

Allison Gardos 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.