Anne-Marie Roy – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Anne-Marie Roy is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Synapse Physiothérapie in Montréal, 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 compassionate approach, Anne-Marie addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. Her expertise encompasses everything from managing acute injuries like sprains and strains to developing comprehensive strategies for chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. She also offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. Her goal is to reduce symptoms, enhance stability, and decrease fall risk, helping her patients regain confidence in their movement and daily activities.

Anne-Marie’s role extends across serving children, adolescents, and adults, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. Her focus is not only on alleviating pain but also on empowering her patients through education and active participation in their recovery process. She believes in fostering a supportive environment where patients feel heard, understood, and actively involved in their treatment planning, ensuring that each person achieves their functional goals with confidence and resilience.

With a solid foundation in physiotherapy, Anne-Marie completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience that fuels her ongoing commitment to professional development. She stays current with evidence-based practices, continually expanding her skills and knowledge, particularly in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that promote long-term wellness and prevention. Fluent in both English and French, Anne-Marie is dedicated to making her care accessible and supportive for Montréal’s diverse community.

Anne-Marie Roy provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

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): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.

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.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.

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

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Effective therapy for various inner ear and balance disorders, including BPPV, vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis, unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction, Meniere's disease (symptom management), and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD).
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night? Anne-Marie develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities. This is key to helping you get back to doing giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Patients often come to Anne-Marie feeling defeated by a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities and resuming sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• When facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing playing a full game of recreational hockey with your friends, physiotherapy with Anne-Marie can help you work towards experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life. 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 Anne-Marie, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Anne-Marie practices at Synapse Physiothérapie, situated in a modern clinic located in the heart of Montréal’s central neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. It is well-connected via public transit routes, ensuring easy access for those using Montréal's transit system. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

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.

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).

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at Synapse Physiothérapie treat?

Anne-Marie treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, nerve pain, and balance disorders. She also offers specialized services such as Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for dizziness and vertigo, as well as electrotherapy applications like NMES and FES. Her goal is to help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and achieve your wellness objectives through tailored treatment plans and patient education.

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 a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician’s referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy before your appointment to confirm their 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. Coverage may be available for care received directly through hospitals or CLSCs under specific circumstances. For most outpatient private physiotherapy services, patients pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. It’s recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage details.

Synapse Physiothérapie
151, Rue Fleury O, # 200
Montréal, QC H3L 1T6

Phone: (438) 386-0988 | Website: http://synapsephysio.com

Anne-Marie Roy 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.