Denise Conceiçao De Carvalho – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Denise Conceiçao De Carvalho is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Institut de cardiologie de Montréal in Montréal, QC, Denise is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Her approach involves breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, personalized exercise prescriptions, and patient education. Denise’s goal is to support her patients in improving their respiratory health and overall wellbeing through evidence-based physiotherapy interventions.

With a strong focus on the unique health needs of older adults, Denise also works to enhance mobility, strength, and balance, helping seniors maintain independence and reduce fall risk. Her compassionate and community-oriented approach ensures that each patient feels heard and supported throughout their recovery journey. Whether managing complex respiratory conditions or promoting healthy aging, Denise strives to empower her patients to achieve their best possible quality of life.

Denise completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience, continuously advancing her skills through ongoing professional development. She has a particular interest in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy, which allows her to tailor treatments effectively for adults and seniors. Her philosophy emphasizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Denise is fluent in French and Portuguese, ensuring clear communication and culturally sensitive care for her diverse patient community.

Denise Conceiçao De Carvalho provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• 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.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• 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.

Common Msk

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• 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.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.

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

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: A structured physiotherapy approach to address the diverse and often fluctuating symptoms of Long COVID, aiming to improve exercise tolerance gradually, manage fatigue, and support a return to meaningful activities.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: Enhancing daily function, reducing symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, and improving the quality of life for people with ongoing lung disease through tailored exercise and education.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Providing professional physiotherapy assessment, treatment, education, and exercise prescription directly in the comfort and convenience of your home environment, especially for those who have difficulty attending an outpatient clinic due to mobility issues, severe pain, or other constraints.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Physiotherapy to improve your breathing efficiency, manage symptoms of lung disease, clear your airways more effectively, and increase your cardiovascular fitness and activity tolerance.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.

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

• Patients often come to Denise feeling defeated by swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life and resuming going on birdwatching outings in various terrains becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Are you finding that persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady stops you from enjoying being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house? Denise is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• With Denise's help, managing my child walking on their toes most of the time to achieve a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like working on detailed woodworking projects in your shop without hand pain.

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

Located within the Institut de cardiologie de Montréal in the heart of Montréal's central neighborhood, Denise’s practice is situated in a modern, accessible clinic dedicated to specialized cardiac and respiratory care. The facility is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access ongoing support. It is well-served by local public transit routes, ensuring an easy commute for those using Montréal’s transit system. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Does Institut de cardiologie de Montréal offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Institut de cardiologie de Montréal offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate the process. It’s recommended to verify your coverage and any specific requirements with your insurer prior to your appointment. If direct billing is not available for your plan, Denise’s clinic provides detailed official receipts that you can submit for reimbursement. Remember to confirm your coverage limits and any deductibles with your insurance provider, as plans vary and patients are responsible for any portion not covered.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiothérapeute, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

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. However, care received directly in a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It’s important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and to check your private insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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 program, allowing them to assess patients, diagnose, and develop treatment plans independently. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and focuses on technical applications, assisting physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, helping patients with exercises, and reporting progress to supervising professionals.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

The initial appointment, including assessment and treatment planning, generally lasts about 60 minutes. Follow-up visits usually range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the treatment plan and patient needs. Your Physiothérapeute will tailor each session to best support your recovery and progress.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician’s referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to confirm with your insurer prior to your appointment to ensure coverage.

Institut de cardiologie de Montréal
5000, Rue Bélanger
Montréal, QC H1T 1C8

Phone: (514) 376-3330

Denise Conceiçao De Carvalho 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.