Audrey Abikhzer

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

Pediatric

• Congenital Muscular Torticollis / Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome): Helping your baby achieve a centered head position, full neck mobility, and improve their head shape through specialized physiotherapy techniques and parent education.
• Pediatric Sports Injuries & Growing Pains (e.g., Osgood-Schlatter, Sever's Disease): Managing growth-related pain conditions (often termed 'growing pains' by parents, or specific apophysitis like Osgood-Schlatter/Sever's) and activity-induced injuries in young athletes through appropriate advice, load management, and therapeutic exercise.
• Toe Walking (Idiopathic / Habitual): Helping children develop a more typical and efficient walking pattern by addressing the factors contributing to persistent toe walking.
• Developmental Delays (Gross Motor Skills): Physiotherapy support and intervention for infants and children with delayed physical development to help them achieve their motor potential through play-based activities and targeted exercises.

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue (periosteum) around the tibia, which requires rest, activity modification, and specific physiotherapy interventions for recovery.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

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

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• 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.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.

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

• For those whose that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away has made driving for longer periods without neck or back pain seem like a distant memory, Audrey's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to driving for longer periods without neck or back pain with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• It's truly rewarding for Audrey to witness patients conquer an awkward gait or limping when I walk and experience greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes again.
• With Audrey's help, managing a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck to achieve restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like returning to a specific physical hobby you had to give up due to pain.

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

Audrey practices at Step by Step Physiotherapy, situated in a clinic located in the central Côte-Saint-Luc neighborhood. This private clinic offers personalized home care and physiotherapy services within a welcoming and accessible environment. Conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, the clinic is easily reachable via local public transit routes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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, while a referral is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, 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.

Does Step by Step Physiotherapy offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Step by Step Physiotherapy offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. While we handle billing directly, it is important to verify your coverage and any limits or deductibles with your insurer beforehand, as plans can vary. Patients are responsible for any portion not covered by their insurance.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The initial session primarily involves a comprehensive assessment. Expect to discuss your specific concerns, medical history, and treatment goals with your Physiothérapeute. The therapist will perform physical tests to evaluate movement, strength, and areas of concern. This visit aims to develop a tailored treatment plan, which may include initial exercises or manual therapy techniques to begin your recovery journey.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is an autonomous healthcare professional authorized to perform assessments, diagnoses, and treatment planning. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, focusing on implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, and monitoring progress. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ in Quebec. Some limited coverage may be available through specific programs or for certain populations, such as after hospital discharge or for low-income seniors. Most outpatient physiotherapy in private clinics requires payment out-of-pocket or private insurance. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain and restore function. Some techniques may cause mild discomfort or soreness temporarily, especially if tissues are sensitive or inflamed. Your Physiothérapeute will always work within your tolerance, communicate clearly, and modify treatments as needed. If you experience significant pain during a session, inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession focused on improving movement, reducing pain, and enhancing overall well-being. A Physiothérapeute utilizes evidence-based interventions such as targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to treat injuries and physical impairments affecting muscles, joints, nerves, and the cardiovascular system. It can help you recover from injury, prevent re-injury, improve mobility, and support your active lifestyle.

Step by Step Physiotherapy
6900, Boulevard Décarie
Côte-Saint-Luc, QC H3X 2T8

Phone: (514) 963-7934 | Website: physiostepbystep.ca

Audrey Abikhzer 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.