Catherine Woods – Physiotherapist | Terrebonne, QC

Catherine Woods is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CISSS de Lanaudière - Centre de réadaptation Terrebonne in Terrebonne, QC, Catherine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and balance-related conditions, providing personalized assessment and treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Her approach emphasizes empowering patients through education and active participation in their recovery journey, fostering a supportive and community-focused environment.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based physiotherapy practices, Catherine serves adult patients who seek relief from acute injuries, chronic pain, or functional limitations. Her expertise extends to vestibular and balance rehabilitation, helping those affected by dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders regain stability and confidence. Catherine’s compassionate approach ensures that each patient feels valued and understood, promoting a positive therapeutic experience that encourages long-term wellness and mobility.

Catherine Woods completed her degree in Physiotherapy with a focus on orthopedic and vestibular rehabilitation. She remains committed to ongoing professional development, continually expanding her skills and knowledge to provide the most current and effective treatments. Fluent in French, Catherine works collaboratively with her patients, emphasizing clear communication, practical strategies, and achievable goals to optimize each person’s recovery and overall quality of life.

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

Neurological

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Comprehensive physiotherapy focusing on improving strength in available muscles, enhancing functional mobility, and promoting health and wellness after a spinal cord injury.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: May include specific facial exercises, neuromuscular re-education (PNF for the face), biofeedback, electrical stimulation (if appropriate), massage, and strategies to improve facial movement, symmetry, reduce synkinesis (unwanted movements), and manage eye care.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Physiotherapy aimed at maintaining optimal function, managing contractures (joint stiffness), optimizing mobility (including prescription of mobility aids), adapting activities, and managing respiratory function (if applicable) for individuals with progressive muscle weakness due to muscular dystrophy or other myopathies.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Utilizing evidence-based neuroplasticity principles, motor relearning techniques, and task-specific training to help stroke survivors improve movement and achieve their functional goals.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.

Hand Wrist

• 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.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.

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

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• 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.
• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.

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 CISSS de Lanaudière - Centre de réadaptation Terrebonne, 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:

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Catherine's clinic, common concerns like an awkward gait or limping when I walk are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of enhanced ability to participate in social and community events. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain.
• For those whose feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems has made pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty seem like a distant memory, Catherine's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Living with my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night doesn't have to be your norm. Catherine applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.

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

Catherine's practice is located at the CISSS de Lanaudière - Centre de réadaptation Terrebonne, situated in the Terrebonne Central/South neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently positioned near major arterial roads and is accessible via exo (Secteur Terrebonne-Mascouche). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 practice known as direct access. However, while a referral may not be legally required to see a physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement purposes. It’s advisable to check your insurance policy details before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

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

To ensure a smooth and productive first visit, please bring your health card, any relevant referral letters, results of imaging tests related to your condition, a list of medications you're taking, and your insurance information for direct billing if available. Wearing comfortable clothes can also help facilitate assessments and treatments.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master’s degree in university, which grants them the autonomy to assess patients, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures with additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments, assisting physiotherapists or physicians by implementing treatment plans, helping with exercises, and reporting progress.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used by Physiothérapeutes to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, relax muscles, and facilitate nerve movement. Techniques include joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, and joint manipulations, all aimed at helping the body move better and alleviating discomfort.

What are CISSS de Lanaudière - Centre de réadaptation Terrebonne's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with some practitioners offering Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary, so please call ahead or check our website for the most current schedule.

Does CISSS de Lanaudière - Centre de réadaptation Terrebonne offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, our clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and Blue Cross. Please bring your insurance card and policy details. If direct billing is not available for your plan, we will provide official receipts that you can submit for reimbursement. It’s recommended to verify your coverage with your insurer before your appointment.

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. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Certain services within public hospitals or CLSCs might be covered if specific criteria are met. It’s important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage details.

CISSS de Lanaudière - Centre de réadaptation Terrebonne
819, Montée Masson
Terrebonne, QC J6W 2C7

Phone: (450) 964-7749

Catherine Woods 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.