Claudine Lanthier – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Claudine Lanthier is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame in Montréal, QC, Claudine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her comprehensive approach emphasizes addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and balance-related conditions, with a focus on helping adult patients recover function, improve mobility, and manage symptoms effectively. Claudine's clinical practice integrates evidence-based techniques tailored to each individual's needs, promoting optimal outcomes and enhancing quality of life.

Claudine has developed a strong expertise in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, as well as neurological rehabilitation. Her ongoing professional development ensures she stays current with the latest advancements and treatment modalities. This commitment allows her to provide personalized and effective care, whether assisting patients with post-operative recovery, managing chronic pain, or addressing neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, or spinal cord injuries. Her goal is to empower patients through education and active participation in their rehabilitation process.

Guided by a philosophy of collaboration and prevention, Claudine emphasizes educating patients about their conditions and self-management strategies for long-term wellness. She believes that fostering a trusting, informative relationship with her patients is essential for achieving lasting health improvements. Claudine is fluent in English and French, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for Montréal’s diverse community.

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

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• 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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.

Neurological

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Specialized neurorehabilitation programs designed by a Physiotherapist to improve physical function, optimize movement potential, and enhance quality of life for individuals living with an SCI.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises and techniques provided by a Physiotherapist to manage symptoms of facial palsy and support optimal recovery of facial muscle control.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Specialized physiotherapy exercises and movement strategies (e.g., LSVT BIG® principles, amplitude-based training, cueing techniques) to improve balance, gait (walking), posture, flexibility, coordination, and overall motor function in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.
• 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.

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

• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Claudine. 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 Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Claudine frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from Claudine, their physiotherapist, when hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Claudine's clinic, common concerns like shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.
• Claudine believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be is hindering your ability to doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain, a personalized plan focusing on feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries can make all the difference.

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

Claudine practices at the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame, situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. The clinic is housed within a public healthcare facility that offers convenient access for patients. It is strategically located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is well-served by local public transit routes, ensuring ease of reach for those using buses and metro services. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Quebec, 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 if the physiotherapy is received directly within a hospital or CLSC, but for most outpatient private services, patients should rely on private extended health insurance plans. It is important to verify your specific eligibility with RAMQ and check your insurance coverage for physiotherapy services.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial component of most physiotherapy treatments. Claudine will prescribe exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals, designed to help manage symptoms, accelerate recovery, and promote long-term self-management. Active participation in your home program is essential for achieving optimal results.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, severity, and individual response to treatment. Some conditions resolve quickly in a few sessions, while others may require ongoing therapy over several weeks or months. Claudine will provide an estimated treatment plan after your initial assessment, which can be adjusted as needed throughout your care.

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 appointment to confirm any specific requirements.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first appointment will involve a comprehensive assessment. Claudine will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals, followed by a physical examination. This may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, and balance. Based on this information, she will develop a personalized treatment plan to address your needs and may initiate some initial treatments or provide educational guidance and exercises for home.

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

A Physiothérapeute has completed a master's level university degree, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. In contrast, a Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and supports physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, applying modalities, assisting with exercises, and reporting progress. Both play essential roles in patient care, with the physiotherapist holding the clinical autonomy.

CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame
1560, Rue Sherbrooke E
Montréal, QC H2L 4M1

Phone: (514) 413-8730

Claudine Lanthier 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.