Audrey Guénette – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Audrey Guénette is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at CHU Sainte-Justine in Montréal, QC, Audrey is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans that incorporate evidence-based practices, ensuring each patient receives optimal care tailored to their unique health needs.

Specializing in managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, Audrey works with individuals dealing with COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Her interventions include breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, exercise prescription, and educational strategies to improve respiratory function and overall well-being. Audrey’s focus extends to older adults, aiming to enhance mobility, strength, balance, and independence, while addressing age-related conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis to reduce fall risk and promote active aging.

Audrey’s expertise also encompasses working with infants and young children (0-5 years), supporting their motor development through tailored physiotherapy interventions. Her experience and ongoing professional development ensure she employs the latest techniques and research, fostering a collaborative environment where patients feel empowered to achieve their health and performance goals. Audrey is fluent in French and English, facilitating clear communication and personalized care.

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

Vestibular Balance

• 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.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.

Common Msk

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.

Neurological

• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy aimed at improving mobility (e.g., walking, transfers), balance, strength, coordination, sensation, and daily function (e.g., dressing, self-care) after a stroke (cerebrovascular accident).
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Supportive physiotherapy care designed to enhance quality of life, manage the physical challenges of various muscle diseases, and promote independence for as long as possible.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy addressing physical impairments following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or acquired brain injury (ABI), including issues with balance, coordination, strength, mobility, spasticity, endurance, and cognitive-physical integration.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Physiotherapy as a key component of a multidisciplinary approach for Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND), focusing on movement retraining, normalizing movement patterns that may be abnormal (e.g., tremor, weakness, gait disturbance, dystonia), and improving functional abilities.

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

• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Helping you manage fibromyalgia symptoms through targeted exercise, education on pain mechanisms, and self-care strategies to improve daily function and overall quality of life.
• 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.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Multifaceted and individualized physiotherapy approaches including pain science education (understanding your pain), graded exercise therapy, pacing strategies, coping mechanisms, manual therapy (where appropriate), and relaxation techniques to help you manage persistent pain and improve your quality of life.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Tailored exercise prescription, education on safe movement, manual therapy (gentle techniques), and functional training to help seniors maintain their independence, enhance safety in their home and community, and promote active and healthy aging.

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 CHU Sainte-Justine, 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:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Audrey can help you move beyond recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery. The focus is on a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• Living with my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking doesn't have to be your norm. Audrey applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of comfortably cooking and meal prepping for your family.
• If soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise is preventing you from fully enjoying taking energetic, long walks with your dog every day, Audrey offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Audrey's practice is situated within the CHU Sainte-Justine, a renowned public healthcare facility located in the heart of Montréal. The clinic is conveniently positioned in the central Montréal neighborhood, easily accessible by various public transit routes. It is close to local community services and pharmacies, making it straightforward for patients to combine their visits with other errands or appointments. The facility is designed to be welcoming and accessible, with wheelchair access available to accommodate all patients. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby, ensuring ease of access for those arriving by car.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if it meets specific criteria, but private outpatient physiotherapy is usually not reimbursed by RAMQ. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., RAMQ card), any relevant medical information such as a referral note from your doctor if you have one, reports from recent imaging (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound), and a list of your current medications. Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement is recommended. If you plan to use private insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Physiotherapy Technologist in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) in Quebec holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, develop, and modify treatment plans, and perform certain restricted activities. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both are regulated professionals under the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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 (direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm any specific requirements.

How can I book an appointment at CHU Sainte-Justine?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (514) 345-4931 during business hours. Many practitioners also offer online booking through the clinic's website. The friendly reception team is available to assist you in scheduling a suitable time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Does CHU Sainte-Justine offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CHU Sainte-Justine 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 facilitate billing. If direct billing is not available for your insurer, official receipts will be provided for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. It is recommended to verify your coverage with your provider before your appointment, including any limits or deductibles, as plans vary and responsibility for any unpaid amount rests with the patient.

CHU Sainte-Justine
3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC H3T 1C4

Phone: (514) 345-4931

Audrey Guénette 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.