Annie Caron – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Annie Caron is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica in Montréal, QC, Annie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in supporting individuals recovering from neurological events and conditions, helping them regain function, improve mobility, manage symptoms, and enhance overall quality of life. Her approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient, ensuring a compassionate and effective rehabilitation process.

With extensive experience in neurological physiotherapy, Annie assists adults and seniors dealing with a range of challenges such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's Disease. Beyond neurological conditions, she also addresses a wide array of musculoskeletal issues including acute injuries like sprains and strains, chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. Annie’s comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plans aim to optimize recovery and promote long-term wellness.

Annie completed her degree in Physiotherapy and is committed to ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices. She has developed particular expertise in neurological physiotherapy and orthopedic and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, ensuring her patients benefit from the latest techniques and interventions. Fluent in English and French, Annie emphasizes empowering her patients through education, fostering proactive self-management and preventative care for sustained health benefits.

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

Common Msk

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

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.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.

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

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Annie, their physiotherapist, when difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like enduring your daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness.
• Tired of managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease interfering with reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain? Annie uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health and regain your freedom of movement.
• If dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) is preventing you from fully enjoying getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting, Annie offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Annie practices at the Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica, located in a central Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near local community services and pharmacies, making access straightforward for patients. The hospital is well-connected via local public transit routes, allowing easy transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica or your province directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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 is Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica'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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Follow-up sessions are usually between 30 and 45 minutes, but your Physiothérapeute will advise on the appropriate duration based on your needs.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Certain services within hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It's recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private health insurance plan for coverage details.

How can I book an appointment at Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (514) 288-8201 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer online booking through our website. Our friendly reception team will assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) 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 insurance policy details before your first visit to ensure coverage.

Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica
225, Rue Sherbrooke E
Montréal, QC H2X 1C9

Phone: (514) 288-8201

Annie Caron 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.