Daria Zaichenko – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Daria Zaichenko is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CUSM - Hôpital général de Montréal 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). Daria’s approach emphasizes a compassionate understanding of each individual’s unique needs, ensuring that every patient receives personalized treatment plans designed to facilitate recovery, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being.

Daria’s physiotherapy practice addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She also assists individuals in recovering function, managing symptoms, and improving quality of life after neurological events such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson’s Disease. Her goal is to empower her patients with the tools and knowledge needed for sustained health and mobility.

With a solid educational foundation and extensive clinical experience, Daria has developed expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. She continually pursues professional development to stay current with evidence-based practices. Her philosophy centers around promoting preventative care and long-term wellness through proactive physiotherapy, fostering a collaborative relationship with her patients. Daria is fluent in both French and English, ensuring clear communication and support for her diverse patient community.

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

Arthritis

• 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.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• 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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.

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

• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• 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.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.

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

• The path to recovery from trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and achieving a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being for getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing often starts with expert guidance. Daria, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Many individuals seek help from Daria, their physiotherapist, when clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like competing effectively in your curling league games.
• Rediscover your ability to comfortably cooking and meal prepping for your family without the constant burden of widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia. Daria focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Daria practices at CUSM - Hôpital général de Montréal, 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 care. The clinic is well-connected via multiple public transit routes, ensuring that reaching your appointment is straightforward. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, and both street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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?

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first visit to ensure coverage.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., RAMQ card), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if available), reports from recent imaging tests, and a list of current medications. Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement is also recommended. If you plan to use private insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition and recovery process. Your physiothérapeute will provide an estimated plan after your initial assessment, which will be adjusted as needed during treatment.

What are CUSM - Hôpital général de Montréal's operating hours?

The clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with some Saturday appointments available from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary, so it is best to contact the clinic directly or check their website for current information.

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

RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Coverage may be available for services within public hospitals or CLSCs under specific conditions. Patients are encouraged to verify their private insurance plans for coverage details.

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

If you experience a significant increase in pain, new neurological symptoms, or if soreness persists longer than expected, contact your physiothérapeute or the clinic directly for advice. It is important to ensure that your treatment plan remains appropriate and safe.

CUSM - Hôpital général de Montréal
1650, Avenue Cedar
Montréal, QC H3G 1A4

Phone: (514) 934-1934

Daria Zaichenko 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.