Elizabeth Warhaft – Physiotherapist | Pierrefonds, QC

Elizabeth Warhaft is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'île-de-Montréal - CLSC Pierrefonds in Pierrefonds, QC, Elizabeth is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach focuses on addressing 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. Elizabeth employs a comprehensive, biopsychosocial approach to help individuals understand and manage persistent pain, with an emphasis on improving daily function, quality of life, and self-efficacy through education, graded exercise, pacing strategies, and other supportive therapies.

With a strong foundation in clinical practice and ongoing professional development, Elizabeth has developed expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Chronic Pain Management & Rehabilitation. Her experience allows her to craft individualized treatment plans that are both effective and empowering for her adult patients. Elizabeth’s focus is on facilitating active recovery and injury prevention, ensuring her patients regain confidence in their movement and activity levels.

Elizabeth is committed to a patient-centered philosophy, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. She promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Pierrefonds community through proactive physiotherapy. Her practice is rooted in evidence-based methods and continuous learning to provide the best possible care. Elizabeth is fluent in English and French, ensuring clear communication and personalized support for her diverse patient population.

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• 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.
• 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).

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

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Multifaceted and individualized physiotherapy approaches including pain science education (understanding your pain), graded exercise therapy, pacing strategies, coping mechanisms, manual therapy (where appropriate), and relaxation techniques to help you manage persistent pain and improve your quality of life.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: A holistic and supportive physiotherapy approach to managing the diffuse pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms commonly associated with fibromyalgia.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Elizabeth. 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 CIUSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'île-de-Montréal - CLSC Pierrefonds, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Elizabeth frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Elizabeth's help, managing my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) to achieve improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• Are you finding that dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash stops you from enjoying simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around your neighborhood for fresh air? Elizabeth 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.
• Patients often come to Elizabeth feeling defeated by pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain and resuming standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Elizabeth practices at CIUSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'île-de-Montréal - CLSC Pierrefonds, situated in a modern clinic located in the central Pierrefonds neighborhood of Pierrefonds. This public healthcare facility is conveniently positioned 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 straightforward travel for those using buses or nearby transit options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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, meaning a physician's referral is not legally required to see a physiotherapist. However, it is important to note that some private and extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are strongly advised to check the specific requirements of their insurance policies before their appointment to ensure coverage.

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

In Quebec, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some coverage may be available if care is received within a public hospital or CLSC under specific criteria. For the majority of outpatient physiotherapy in private clinics, individuals rely on private insurance plans to offset costs. It is recommended that patients verify their eligibility and coverage details directly with RAMQ and their insurance providers.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a key role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Elizabeth can identify risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, or postural issues, and implement targeted exercises, education, and activity modifications to reduce the likelihood of initial injury or re-injury, helping you stay active and healthy.

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 degree in physiotherapy, granting them the autonomy to assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans independently. They can perform advanced procedures and direct patient care. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and focuses on implementing treatment plans under supervision, assisting in exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress to the physiotherapist or physician.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The required number of sessions varies depending on individual factors such as the severity of the condition, your response to therapy, and your personal goals. Elizabeth will discuss an estimated treatment plan after your initial assessment, and your progress will be continually monitored and adjusted accordingly.

What is CIUSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'île-de-Montréal - CLSC Pierrefonds's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand schedules can change unexpectedly. To accommodate all patients effectively, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the appointment slot to other patients. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or no-shows without sufficient notice. Please contact the clinic promptly if you need to modify your appointment.

CIUSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'île-de-Montréal - CLSC Pierrefonds
13800, Boulevard Gouin O
Pierrefonds, QC H8Z 3H6

Phone: (514) 626-2572

Elizabeth Warhaft 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.