Danielle Shashoua – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Danielle Shashoua is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica in Montréal, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). With a compassionate approach, Danielle focuses on understanding each patient’s unique needs and goals, working collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans that promote recovery, pain management, and improved mobility.

Danielle's role as a Physiothérapeute involves offering comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions. Her expertise allows her to serve a diverse patient population, including adults and seniors, helping them restore function and enhance their quality of life. She believes in empowering her patients through education and practical strategies, fostering confidence and independence in managing their health.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Danielle stays current with evidence-based physiotherapy practices. She is fluent in English, French, and Italian, which enables her to communicate effectively with a diverse range of patients and provide culturally sensitive care that respects individual backgrounds and preferences.

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

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): Injuries like a 'twisted ankle', 'knee ligament injury', or 'shoulder separation' (AC joint sprain) sustained during athletic activity or accidental falls.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), often resulting from running, jumping, or other repetitive impact activities, especially with sudden increases in training intensity or volume.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Common athletic injuries affecting major muscle groups such as the hamstrings, calves, groin (adductors), quadriceps, or rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder.

Common Msk

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.

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

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• 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 thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.

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

• Living with general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden doesn't have to be your norm. Danielle applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of being able to carry your baby or toddler without straining your back or arms.
• Physiotherapy with Danielle can be a transformative turning point for those affected by recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID). The shared goal is achieving decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues, paving the way for you to enjoy going on birdwatching outings in various terrains and a more active, vibrant life.
• Many individuals seek help from Danielle, their physiotherapist, when frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions), empowering them to joyfully return to activities like getting on and off the floor with ease.

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

Danielle practices at Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica, situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiothérapeute in QC?

Patients in Québec can generally see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to *see* a Physiothérapeute, some private and extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement purposes. It is strongly recommended to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness, especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Danielle will discuss expected sensations and adjust treatments to keep you as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important throughout your sessions.

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 treatment plans. They can also perform advanced procedures with additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and is trained to implement treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assist with exercises, and report progress to the supervising professional.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy encompasses hands-on techniques used by a Physiothérapeute to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This includes joint mobilization, joint manipulation (when appropriate and with consent), soft tissue mobilization like massage and myofascial release, and neural mobilization. The goals are to reduce pain, improve mobility, restore joint mechanics, and promote tissue healing.

What are Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica's operating hours?

The clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners may offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours can vary by practitioner and day, so it is recommended to contact the clinic at [phone number] or visit our website for current hours and availability.

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 use private insurance. Care received within public hospitals or CLSCs might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

Does Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica 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 to your appointment. If direct billing is not available, we provide official receipts that you can submit for reimbursement. It is recommended to confirm your coverage and any applicable limits with your insurance provider beforehand. The patient remains responsible for any portion not covered by insurance.

Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica
225, Rue Sherbrooke E
Montréal, QC H2X 1C9

Phone: (514) 288-8201

Danielle Shashoua 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.