Catherine Poirier – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Catherine Poirier is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Pediatric Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at CHU Sainte-Justine in Montréal, QC, Catherine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes compassionate, individualized treatment plans designed to support infants, children, and adolescents in reaching their developmental and functional milestones. Whether addressing congenital conditions, developmental delays, or orthopedic injuries, Catherine's goal is to foster a supportive environment where young patients and their families feel empowered and informed throughout their recovery journey.

Catherine's role extends beyond clinical assessment; she actively collaborates with families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care tailored to each child's unique needs. Her practice involves gentle, evidence-based techniques to promote motor development, improve mobility, and manage symptoms associated with neurological or orthopedic conditions. She also assists individuals in recovering function, enhancing mobility, managing symptoms, and improving quality of life after neurological events such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease, with a special focus on supporting infants and young children (0-5 years).

With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Catherine has cultivated expertise in Pediatric and Neurological Physiotherapy. Her philosophy centers on a collaborative, patient-centered approach, actively involving children and their families in treatment planning and goal setting. Catherine is fluent in French, ensuring clear and compassionate communication with her diverse community of patients and families.

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

Common Msk

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.

Sports Injury

• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Dull or aching pain in the front or inner part of the shin that can become sharp with activity, often felt during or after exercise.

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.
• 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.

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

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• 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.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): In-home rehabilitation programs tailored to your living space and functional needs, helping you regain independence with daily activities, manage pain, and improve mobility where you live.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach to help you navigate your recovery after a concussion, promoting symptom resolution and safe resumption of activities.

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 CHU Sainte-Justine, 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:

• At Catherine's physiotherapy practice, individuals with dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash are guided towards a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as getting back to your regular, consistent gym workouts.
• With Catherine's help, managing working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery to achieve achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.
• If shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult is preventing you from fully enjoying playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids, Catherine offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Catherine practices at CHU Sainte-Justine, located in the central Montréal neighborhood of Montréal. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients and families to access comprehensive care. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring ease of travel for those using buses or metro services. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiothérapeute to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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).

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

Yes, CHU Sainte-Justine offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate the process. If your insurer requires additional information, our administrative team can assist you. Note that coverage varies depending on your plan, so it is advisable to confirm your benefits with your provider prior to your appointment.

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 recommended to check your insurance policy details before your visit to ensure coverage.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Coverage may be available if treatment is received within a public hospital or CLSC meeting specific criteria. Most patients pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance for physiotherapy services outside of these settings. Always verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance benefits.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CHU Sainte-Justine treat?

Physiothérapeutes at CHU Sainte-Justine treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and developmental conditions. This includes developmental delays, congenital conditions such as torticollis, orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, and recovery after neurological events such as stroke or brain injury. They utilize assessments like Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified) and provide patient education and self-management strategies. Treatments aim to improve mobility, reduce pain, and support overall development and participation in daily activities for pediatric and neurological populations.

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

Phone: (514) 345-4931

Catherine Poirier 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.