Émilie Usal – Physiotherapy Technologist | Montréal, QC

Émilie Usal is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.) practicing at CIUSSS DE L'EST DE L'ILE DE MONTRÉAL in Montréal, QC. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Émilie plays a vital role in assisting the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. Her approach emphasizes personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs, with a focus on optimizing mobility, reducing pain, and promoting overall wellness, especially among senior patients who benefit from her compassionate and professional support.

Émilie completed her diploma in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that enhances her ability to provide effective care. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development and adheres to evidence-based practices in physiotherapy. Émilie has developed particular expertise in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring, ensuring her interventions are both safe and effective. Her commitment to staying current with the latest advancements allows her to offer the most appropriate treatments for her patients' conditions.

Her practice philosophy centers around empowering patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies that foster lasting results. Émilie believes in the importance of preventative care and long-term wellness, actively promoting proactive physiotherapy within the Montréal community. She is fluent in French, which allows her to communicate effectively and compassionately with her diverse patient population, ensuring clarity and comfort during every consultation.

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

Common Msk

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.

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

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Émilie. 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'EST DE L'ILE DE MONTRÉAL, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Émilie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort when faced with persistent facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) is made smoother and more effective with Émilie's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like managing your personal care routines independently.
• If trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain is preventing you from fully enjoying attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout, Émilie offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Émilie can help you move beyond tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot. The focus is on restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty.

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

Émilie's practice at CIUSSS DE L'EST DE L'ILE DE MONTRÉAL is situated in a modern clinic located in the heart of Montréal's central neighborhood. This public healthcare facility offers convenient access for patients, situated near local community services and pharmacies. It is easily accessible via several public transit routes, ensuring ease of reach for patients from various parts of the city. 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 Physiotherapy Technologist in QC?

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.) directly without a physician's referral, as part of the province's direct access policy. However, while a referral is not legally required to *access* physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's note for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm their specific requirements.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan permits it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not available, we will provide an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapy Technologist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you 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 master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapy Technologist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy delivered in private clinics is generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care provided directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private outpatient physiotherapy services are usually excluded. It is advisable to verify your coverage with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for reimbursement options.

CIUSSS DE L'EST DE L'ILE DE MONTRÉAL
7445, Rue Hochelaga
Montréal, QC H1N 3V2

Phone: (514) 251-6000

Émilie Usal 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.