Elise Frattolillo – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Elise Frattolillo is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Hôpital Santa Cabrini (CIUSSS de l'Est de l'Île 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). Elise's approach focuses on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-surgical conditions, helping her patients recover function, improve mobility, and manage symptoms effectively. Her goal is to support each individual in their journey towards better health and a more active, pain-free life.

Elise’s role extends beyond treatment; she emphasizes education, empowering her patients with practical self-management strategies and proactive wellness practices. Whether working with adults or seniors, Elise strives to foster a collaborative environment where patients feel supported and motivated to reach their personal health goals. Her compassionate approach and dedication to evidence-based practices make her a trusted member of the Montréal community, committed to promoting long-term health and well-being.

With a solid foundation in physiotherapy, Elise completed her degree in the field and has accumulated valuable clinical experience. She continually pursues professional development, honing her skills particularly in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. Her ongoing learning ensures she remains current with the latest techniques and research, offering her patients the best possible care. Elise is fluent in English, French, Italian, and Spanish, allowing her to connect with a diverse range of clients and provide culturally sensitive, personalized treatment.

Elise Frattolillo 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.
• 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): 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.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.
• 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): 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.

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Elise 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.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for concussion recovery, including initial assessment of symptoms (headache, dizziness, etc.), management of associated neck pain or dysfunction, vestibular and oculomotor (eye movement) rehabilitation, and guided, gradual return-to-learn, work, and sport protocols.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Evidence-based neurological rehabilitation focused on harnessing neuroplasticity, motor learning principles, and task-specific training to help regain lost skills and adapt to new ways of moving.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Customized exercise-based programs (e.g., gaze stabilization, habituation, balance retraining exercises) prescribed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist to reduce vestibular symptoms, improve functional balance, decrease fall risk, and enhance confidence in movement.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Elise. 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 Santa Cabrini (CIUSSS de l'Est de l'Ile de Montréal), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Elise 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 feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health for taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes often starts with expert guidance. Elise, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Elise frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like participating fully in your martial arts practice, including sparring.
• The journey to enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications when faced with persistent soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise is made smoother and more effective with Elise's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like using garden tools effectively and without pain.

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

Elise practices at Hôpital Santa Cabrini (CIUSSS de l'Est de l'Île 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 the care they need. The hospital is well-connected by public transit routes, ensuring easy reach for those using buses or metro services. 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?

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly through a process known as direct access, without the need for a physician's referral. However, while a referral isn't legally required to see a physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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, enabling them to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. Conversely, a Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of treatments. They assist physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, helping with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress to their supervising professional.

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

It is common to experience mild soreness or a slight increase in symptoms after physiotherapy, especially when starting new exercises. This generally subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience severe pain, new neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness, or if soreness persists longer than expected, you should contact Elise or your healthcare provider immediately. They can assess your condition and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial appointment involves a comprehensive assessment, including a discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, and goals. This is followed by a physical examination to evaluate your range of motion, strength, balance, and movement patterns. Based on these findings, Elise will provide a diagnosis or clinical impression, discuss a personalized treatment plan, and may initiate some treatment or provide education and exercises for home.

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 usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance plans. Some coverage may exist for physiotherapy received within public hospitals or CLSCs under specific conditions. It is recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance policy for coverage details.

Hôpital Santa Cabrini (CIUSSS de l'Est de l'Ile de Montréal)
5655, Rue Saint-Zotique E
Montréal, QC H1T 1P7

Phone: (514) 252-6476

Elise Frattolillo 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.