Caterina Giannini – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Caterina Giannini is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest de-l'île-de-Montréal (CR Constance-Lethbridge) in Montréal, QC, Caterina is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each individual, integrating the latest evidence-based practices to optimize recovery and functional independence.

As a specialist in neurological rehabilitation, Caterina assists individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Her scope also includes addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions—covering everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Caterina serves adults and seniors, ensuring that her treatment strategies are tailored to the specific needs and goals of her diverse patient population.

With a solid foundation in physiotherapy education and ongoing professional development, Caterina has developed particular expertise in neurological physiotherapy and orthopaedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. She is committed to continuous learning and applying the latest techniques to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Fluent in English and French, Caterina aims to promote accessible, effective care within Montréal's multicultural community, advocating for preventative care and promoting long-term wellness through proactive physiotherapy interventions.

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, cognitive difficulties ('brain fog', memory issues), fatigue, and emotional changes. Post-Concussion Syndrome refers to symptoms persisting beyond the typical recovery window.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• 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. Caterina 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).
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for concussion recovery, including initial assessment of symptoms (headache, dizziness, etc.), management of associated neck pain or dysfunction, vestibular and oculomotor (eye movement) rehabilitation, and guided, gradual return-to-learn, work, and sport protocols.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Comprehensive assessment of your fall risk factors with individualized interventions, including balance exercises, strength training, gait re-training, and home safety advice to help you prevent falls.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Caterina. 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 CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest de-l'île-de-Montréal (CR Constance-Lethbridge), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Caterina frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Caterina feeling defeated by recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence and resuming shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Many individuals seek help from Caterina, their physiotherapist, when soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like running your usual 5k route without knee pain.
• At Caterina's physiotherapy practice, individuals with shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult are guided towards a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness.

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

Caterina practices at the CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest de-l'île-de-Montréal (CR Constance-Lethbridge), situated in a centralized clinic in the vibrant Montreal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care in one location. The clinic is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring easy travel for patients from across the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

How can I book an appointment at CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest de-l'île-de-Montréal (CR Constance-Lethbridge)?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (514) 487-1891 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website at . Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiothérapeute can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest de-l'île-de-Montréal (CR Constance-Lethbridge) treat?

Our Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (Persistent Post-Surgical Pain), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (like Post-Pneumonia / Respiratory Infection Recovery), and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Neurological Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders, Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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 our clinic or your Quebec healthcare provider directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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 and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, create treatment plans, and apply a wide range of interventions independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, focusing on implementing prescribed treatments and assisting in patient care without diagnosing or establishing treatment plans independently. Both professions 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 provided in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ in Quebec. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some services received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered depending on eligibility. It is recommended to verify your coverage with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for reimbursement options.

CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest de-l'île-de-Montréal (CR Constance-Lethbridge)
7005, Boulevard de Maisonneuve O
Montréal, QC H4B 1T3

Phone: (514) 487-1891

Caterina Giannini 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.