Christina Pepe – Physiotherapist | Laval, QC

Christina Pepe is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation in Laval, QC, Christina is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes understanding each patient's unique needs, fostering a compassionate environment where recovery and wellness are prioritized. Christina strives to support her patients through personalized treatment plans that promote healing, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.

With a focus on assisting 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, Christina also addresses a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. These include acute injuries like sprains and strains, chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Her expertise extends to treating adults and seniors, ensuring a holistic approach to each stage of recovery and health maintenance.

Christina Pepe completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience. She is committed to ongoing professional development, continually updating her skills to incorporate evidence-based practices. Christina has developed particular interest and expertise in Neurological Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, aiming to provide the most effective and current treatments for her patients. Her practice philosophy is rooted in promoting preventative care and long-term wellness, working collaboratively with her patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Christina is fluent in English, French, and Italian, allowing her to communicate effectively and empathetically with a diverse patient community.

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

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Physiotherapy focuses on improving balance, strength, sensation (where possible), reducing fall risk, managing pain, and providing education on foot care (especially for diabetic neuropathy) and adaptive strategies.
• 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).

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

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

• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Christina. 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 Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Christina frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The path to recovery from working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery and achieving greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities for simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions often starts with expert guidance. Christina, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Are you finding that trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) stops you from enjoying getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting? Christina is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• If sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica is preventing you from fully enjoying participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf, Christina offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Christina practices at the CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation, situated in the Chomedey East neighborhood of Laval. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near the Major East-West Arterial and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Laval (STL). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiothérapeute as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ, and patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. However, care received directly within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It’s important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This varies based on individual needs. After an initial assessment, Christina will provide an estimate of the number of sessions required and the optimal frequency. She emphasizes open communication and regularly reviews progress to adapt the treatment plan accordingly.

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, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm any requirements.

CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation
3205, Place Alton-Goldbloom
Laval, QC H7V 1R2

Phone: (450) 688-9550

Christina Pepe 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.