Andra Calota – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Andra Calota is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Centre hospitalier de St. Mary / St. Mary's hospital Center in Montréal, QC, Andra is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. With a compassionate approach, Andra strives to help each individual achieve optimal recovery and wellness through personalized physiotherapy plans tailored to their unique needs.

Andra's focus encompasses 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. Andra also dedicates special attention to the health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, and balance, while managing age-related conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Her goal is to reduce fall risk and enhance overall quality of life and independence for her patients, many of whom are adults and seniors.

Having completed her degree in Physiotherapy, Andra has accumulated valuable clinical experience and is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. She has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health. Her practice philosophy emphasizes promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Montréal community through a proactive, patient-centered approach that actively involves individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Andra is fluent in English, French, and Romanian, ensuring clear communication and a warm, welcoming environment for her diverse patient community.

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

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• 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.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• 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.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

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

• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Helping you stay steady on your feet and maintain your independence through targeted balance and coordination exercises, and practical fall prevention education.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Providing professional physiotherapy assessment, treatment, education, and exercise prescription directly in the comfort and convenience of your home environment, especially for those who have difficulty attending an outpatient clinic due to mobility issues, severe pain, or other constraints.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Andra. 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 hospitalier de St. Mary / St. Mary's hospital Center, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Andra frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many find that trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts their ability to attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout. Andra helps patients target greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Rediscover your ability to hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter without the constant burden of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain. Andra focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• If numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs is preventing you from fully enjoying maintaining your balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails, Andra offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Andra practices at the Centre hospitalier de St. Mary / St. Mary's hospital Center, situated in the vibrant and accessible central Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The hospital's location is well-served by multiple public transit routes, including buses and metro stations, ensuring straightforward travel for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. For most outpatient physiotherapy in private settings, coverage is limited, so it is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage options.

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 recommended to check your insurance policy before your appointment to understand any specific requirements.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It’s common to experience some temporary soreness or mild symptoms after physiotherapy, especially when starting new exercises or treatments. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant increase in pain, new neurological symptoms, or if soreness persists longer than expected, contact Andra or your healthcare provider promptly. They can assess your condition and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

What are Centre hospitalier de St. Mary / St. Mary's hospital Center's operating hours?

Centre hospitalier de St. Mary / St. Mary's hospital Center is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with some practitioners offering Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary depending on the practitioner and specific day. Please call the clinic at (514) 123-4567 or visit our website for the most current hours and availability.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Absolutely. Physiotherapy not only treats existing conditions but also plays a vital role in injury prevention. A Physiothérapeute can evaluate your movement patterns, identify potential weaknesses, and develop a personalized exercise program to reduce the risk of future injuries or pain episodes. This proactive approach benefits athletes, active individuals, and anyone committed to maintaining musculoskeletal health.

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, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for patients. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and focuses on executing treatment plans under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician. They assist in implementing therapies, guiding exercises, and reporting progress.

Centre hospitalier de St. Mary / St. Mary's hospital Center
3830, Avenue Lacombe
Montréal, QC H3T 1M5

Phone: (514) 734-2612

Andra Calota 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.