Debbie Gardos – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Debbie Gardos is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Hôpital général juif / Jewish General Hospital in Montréal, QC, Debbie 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, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to promote optimal recovery and functional improvement. Debbie's compassionate demeanor and thorough assessments help her build strong therapeutic relationships, fostering trust and confidence in her patients' journey toward better health.

Debbie's role involves providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions. She serves adults and seniors, helping them restore function, manage pain, and enhance their quality of life through evidence-based physiotherapy interventions. Her expertise encompasses a variety of techniques designed to alleviate discomfort, improve mobility, and support long-term wellness, all delivered with empathy and professionalism.

With a solid educational foundation and extensive clinical experience, Debbie Gardos completed her degree in Physiotherapy. She remains committed to ongoing professional development, integrating the latest research and best practices into her patient care. Debbie values a collaborative, patient-centered philosophy, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. She is fluent in English, French, Hungarian, and Hebrew, allowing her to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

Sports Injury

• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Pain felt around, under, or behind the kneecap (patella), often described as a dull ache that is aggravated by activities like running, jumping, squatting, using stairs (especially going down), or prolonged sitting with the knee bent.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): An overuse injury where the bone is unable to withstand repetitive mechanical loading, requiring a period of offloading and gradual rehabilitation guided by a physiotherapist for safe return to activity.
• 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.

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): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

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

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Debbie. 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 général juif / Jewish General Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Debbie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress when faced with persistent dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) is made smoother and more effective with Debbie's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.
• Rediscover your ability to getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting without the constant burden of that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees. Debbie focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• The path to recovery from pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) and achieving improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction for shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back often starts with expert guidance. Debbie, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Debbie practices at the Hôpital général juif / Jewish General Hospital, situated in the central Montréal neighborhood. This reputable public healthcare facility is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The hospital is well-connected via multiple public transit routes, ensuring ease of reach for those using buses and metro services. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 rely on private insurance. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered under specific circumstances. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plan for coverage details.

Is there parking available at or near Hôpital général juif / Jewish General Hospital?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Additionally, metered street parking is generally available on nearby streets, and a paid public parkade is located just a short walk away from our clinic. Always check signs for time limits or restrictions.

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, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy before your first visit.

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

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, develop treatment plans, and implement therapeutic interventions independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or create treatment plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

How can I book an appointment at Hôpital général juif / Jewish General Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (514) 340-8222 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer online booking through our hospital's website. Our friendly team will assist you in scheduling a suitable appointment with the appropriate physiotherapist for your needs.

Hôpital général juif / Jewish General Hospital
3755, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC H3T 1E2

Phone: (514) 340-8222

Debbie Gardos 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.