Catherine Frommer – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Catherine Frommer is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CUSM CH ROYAL VICTORIA in Montréal, QC. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the *Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec* (OPPQ). With a focus on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, Catherine strives to help her patients recover function, improve mobility, and manage symptoms effectively. Her approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique needs, fostering optimal outcomes and enhanced quality of life.

Catherine's scope of practice encompasses the management of both acute injuries and chronic conditions, including arthritis, tendinopathies, post-operative rehabilitation, and neurological impairments such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. She works predominantly with adult patients, guiding them through recovery processes that restore independence and promote active participation in their health. Her expertise is complemented by her ongoing commitment to professional development, ensuring her techniques are grounded in current evidence-based practices.

With a philosophy rooted in collaboration, Catherine emphasizes empowering her patients through education and self-management strategies. She believes in a multidisciplinary approach, working closely with other healthcare providers to optimize patient outcomes. Fluent in English, French, Hungarian, and Hebrew, Catherine is able to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population, ensuring clarity and comfort throughout the treatment journey.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Improving safety, function, and quality of life for those with impaired sensation or strength due to various types of peripheral neuropathy.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Symptoms such as localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by mechanical compression or irritation of peripheral nerves at specific anatomical sites (entrapment points).

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Catherine 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy to address persistent concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, and difficulty concentrating or tolerating activity.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Comprehensive physiotherapy programs designed to maximize quality of life and functional abilities for individuals with conditions like stroke (CVA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, traumatic or acquired brain injury (TBI/ABI), or incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).

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

• With Catherine's help, managing frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders to achieve improved performance in work-related physical demands becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like maintaining an upright posture while working on your computer for hours.
• Tired of awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) interfering with playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids? Catherine uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors and regain your freedom of movement.
• The path to recovery from knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run and achieving experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life for painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache often starts with expert guidance. Catherine, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Catherine's practice is situated at the *CUSM CH ROYAL VICTORIA*, located in the central Montréal neighborhood of Montréal. This reputable public healthcare facility offers accessible, comprehensive care within a convenient urban setting. The clinic is strategically positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easier for patients to access complementary healthcare resources. It is well-served by multiple public transit routes, ensuring ease of travel for those using buses and metro services. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

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.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, it is important to check with your private insurance provider, as some extended health plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. While a referral is not legally necessary to receive physiotherapy services, verifying insurance requirements can help ensure coverage.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiothérapeute will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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

In Quebec, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance plans. Some coverage might be available if care is received directly within a public hospital or CLSC under specific conditions. It is important to verify your individual eligibility with RAMQ and review your private insurance plans, as many extended health plans offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy in private clinics.

CUSM CH ROYAL VICTORIA
1001, Boulevard Décarie
Montréal, QC H4A 3J1

Phone: (514) 843-1565

Catherine Frommer 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.