Chahinez Laaouad

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

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• 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.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Management of symptoms such as pain (neuropathic pain), numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness, typically in the hands or feet, resulting from damage to peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Addressing conditions affecting nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, aiming to relieve pressure on the nerve, reduce inflammation, restore normal nerve function, and alleviate symptoms.

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): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

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

• 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• 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.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Specialized therapeutic interventions provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to assist individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, balance, coordination, strength, and independence following a neurological event or diagnosis.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Chahinez. 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 Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Hôpital Sacré-Coeur), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Chahinez frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• At Chahinez's physiotherapy practice, individuals with that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work are guided towards a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as being able to carry your baby or toddler without straining your back or arms.
• Are you finding that trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) stops you from enjoying engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands? Chahinez is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Living with experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy doesn't have to be your norm. Chahinez applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely.

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

Chahinez practices at the CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Hôpital Sacré-Coeur), situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easily accessible for patients. The clinic is well-served by local public transit routes, ensuring a straightforward commute. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor’s referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiothérapeute will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You’ll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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, known as 'direct access.' However, it’s important to check your private or extended health insurance policies, as some plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. While a referral is not legally mandatory for initial assessment, confirming your insurance requirements beforehand can prevent billing issues.

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 level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) focused on technical application, assisting in implementing treatment plans, helping patients with exercises, and applying modalities under supervision.

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

RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some coverage may be available for care in public hospitals or CLSCs if meeting specific criteria. It’s advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plans for coverage details.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary soreness is normal after treatment, but if your pain worsens significantly, if new symptoms develop, or if discomfort persists beyond a couple of days, contact your physiotherapist promptly. They can assess your condition, provide guidance, and adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure safe recovery.

CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Hôpital Sacré-Coeur)
5400, Boulevard Gouin O
Montréal, QC H4J 1C5

Phone: (514) 338-2210

Chahinez Laaouad 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.