Claudia Maltais – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Claudia Maltais is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at l'Institut de Réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay de Montréal, situated in the heart of Montréal. With a deep commitment to patient-centered care, she strives to help individuals recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve their overall mobility. Her approach is rooted in understanding each patient's unique needs and working collaboratively to develop tailored treatment plans that promote lasting results.

Claudia's focus is on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions. She serves a diverse range of patients, from those recovering from surgery to individuals living with chronic conditions, ensuring that everyone receives empathetic and effective care. Her goal is to empower her patients through education and self-management strategies, fostering a community of health and well-being in Montréal.

Educated in physiotherapy with ongoing professional development, Claudia is committed to evidence-based practices and continuous learning. She believes in fostering a collaborative environment, working closely with her patients to help them achieve their movement and functional goals. Claudia is fluent in French, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for her community.

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

Common Msk

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.

Joint Pain

• 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).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

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

• 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: A thorough evaluation by your Physiothérapeute to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiothérapeute 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 Physiothérapeute to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• 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: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Claudia. 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 l'Institut de Réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay de Montréal, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Claudia frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk and achieved understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term under the skilled care of Claudia. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture with a new lease on life.
• Living with persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady doesn't have to be your norm. Claudia applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of maintaining an upright posture while working on your computer for hours.
• Claudia believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is hindering your ability to getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting, a personalized plan focusing on better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities can make all the difference.

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

Claudia practices at the Inst. de Réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay de Montréal, located in a central Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive rehabilitation care. The clinic is well-connected via public transit routes, ensuring easy arrival for those using Montreal's transit system. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiothérapeute will work with you. They’ll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

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

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor’s referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor’s referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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).

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’s advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm their specific requirements.

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 usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly in a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It’s important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and review your private insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Inst. de Réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay de Montréal
6363, Chemin Hudson
Montréal, QC H3S 1M9

Phone: (514) 340-2085

Claudia Maltais 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.