Anna Hsiao-Tien Wu – Physiotherapist | Montréal-Nord, QC

Anna Hsiao-Tien Wu is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Hôpital Marie-Clarac in Montréal-Nord, QC, Anna is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes a performance and athletic-oriented philosophy, focusing on optimizing function, enhancing mobility, and supporting active lifestyles. Anna's expertise ensures that each patient receives personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique goals, whether recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, or improving athletic performance.

Anna's role as a Physiothérapeute involves addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional conditions. She specializes in helping individuals recover from acute injuries such as sprains and strains, while also managing long-term issues like arthritis, post-operative rehabilitation, and neurological conditions including stroke, brain injury, and Parkinson’s Disease. Her focus is to assist adult patients in regaining strength, reducing pain, and achieving their athletic and performance objectives through evidence-based techniques and proactive care.

With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Anna has developed particular interests in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. She is fluent in English, French, and Chinese, allowing her to effectively communicate and connect with a diverse range of patients. Her patient-centered philosophy involves active participation, promoting preventative care, and fostering long-term wellness within the Montréal-Nord community.

Anna Hsiao-Tien Wu provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

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.
• 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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Addressing the physical consequences of nerve damage in the limbs through targeted exercises (e.g., for balance, strength, desensitization), sensory re-education, and advice on appropriate footwear or assistive devices.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Symptoms such as localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by mechanical compression or irritation of peripheral nerves at specific anatomical sites (entrapment points).

Joint Pain

• 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).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

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

• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Tailored exercises, hands-on techniques, and functional strategies to manage symptoms (e.g., spasticity, weakness, ataxia) and optimize function in various neurological conditions, promoting participation in daily life.
• 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.

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

• Living with that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away doesn't have to be your norm. Anna applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching your back.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy? Anna works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Anna's clinic, common concerns like widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like going on birdwatching outings in various terrains.

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

Anna practices at Hôpital Marie-Clarac, situated in a central Montréal-Nord neighborhood. The clinic is housed within a public healthcare facility that is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The location is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring easy and efficient travel for those coming from various parts of the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What is Hôpital Marie-Clarac'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 equivalent to 50% of the service cost or a set amount like $50 may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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, while a referral is not legally required to initiate physiotherapy, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if it meets their criteria, but private outpatient physiotherapy is typically not reimbursed by RAMQ. Always verify your coverage with RAMQ and consult your private insurance for potential reimbursement options.

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.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiothérapeute will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what’s done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you’re not in a session.

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 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.

Hôpital Marie-Clarac
3530, Boulevard Gouin E
Montréal-Nord, QC H1H 1B7

Phone: (514) 321-8800

Anna Hsiao-Tien Wu 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.