Amanda Zappia – Physiotherapist | Laval, QC

Amanda Zappia is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Physiothérapie Universelle (Vanier) in Laval, QC. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Amanda’s approach emphasizes a comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment plans, ensuring that each patient receives care tailored to their unique needs and goals. Her focus spans a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions, including acute injuries, chronic pain, arthritis management, and post-operative rehabilitation, providing her patients with effective strategies to restore function and improve quality of life.

Specializing in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, Amanda works with patients of all ages, from older children (5+) and adolescents to adults and seniors. Her expertise includes developing programs that enhance strength, stability, and mobility, facilitating safe return to activity, and preventing future injuries. Amanda’s clinical practice is rooted in evidence-based techniques, combining manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education to foster lasting results. Her goal is to empower patients through education and active participation in their recovery process, promoting long-term wellness and injury prevention.

Amanda completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience that fuels her ongoing professional development. She has cultivated a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Sports Physiotherapy, continually updating her skills to incorporate the latest research and best practices. Fluent in both French and English, Amanda is dedicated to clear communication and fostering a supportive environment for her patients, guiding them toward achieving their health and performance goals.

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

Sports Injury

• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Injuries like a 'twisted ankle', 'knee ligament injury', or 'shoulder separation' (AC joint sprain) sustained during athletic activity or accidental falls.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Acute pain, swelling, bruising, localized tenderness, and weakness in a muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or throwing.

Post Surgical

• 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) reconstructive 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.

Hand & Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

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

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• 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.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees and achieved reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease under the skilled care of Amanda. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids with a new lease on life.
• Amanda frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like returning to a specific physical hobby you had to give up due to pain.
• When soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise, is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation, physiotherapy with Amanda can help you work towards feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Amanda practices at Physiothérapie Universelle (Vanier), situated in the Saint-François neighborhood of Laval. The clinic is conveniently located near Station de la Concorde (Metro/exo) and is accessible via Société de transport de Laval (STL). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely "painful" in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiothérapeute will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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

For Quebec residents, physiotherapy coverage varies. Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients are expected to pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. However, certain public health programs or specific conditions may be eligible for coverage. It is recommended to verify eligibility directly with RAMQ and check private insurance plans for coverage details.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you’re being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiothérapeute can properly examine and treat the area.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services 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 advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm whether a referral is necessary for coverage.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiothérapeute can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

What is Physiothérapie Universelle (Vanier)'s appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or no-shows without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Physiothérapie Universelle (Vanier)
1110, Boulevard Vanier
Laval, QC H7C 2R8

Phone: (450) 664-3812

Amanda Zappia 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.