Franca Coscia – Physiotherapist | Laval, QC

Franca Coscia is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation in Laval, QC, Franca is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Franca’s approach is rooted in providing compassionate, evidence-based physiotherapy tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Her practice focuses on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, including everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Franca employs a comprehensive, biopsychosocial approach to help individuals understand and manage persistent pain, emphasizing 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 experience and ongoing professional development, Franca has cultivated expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Chronic Pain Management & Rehabilitation. She is passionate about empowering her patients through education and personalized treatment plans that promote long-term wellness. Franca’s commitment extends beyond treatment—she advocates for preventative care and works closely with her community to foster a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone can achieve their health goals.

Franca is fluent in English, French, and Italian, allowing her to connect seamlessly with a diverse range of patients in Laval. Her warm, community-focused approach ensures that each person feels valued, understood, and supported on their journey to recovery and optimal health.

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

Chronic Pain

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - Supportive Care: A careful and specialized physiotherapy approach for CRPS, focusing on pain reduction, functional restoration, and supporting you through this complex condition.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) - Activity Management: Physiotherapy support for individuals with CFS/ME, focusing on developing personalized pacing strategies, energy conservation techniques, gentle mobility exercises (within energy limits), and education on symptom management to improve daily function and quality of life while respecting the illness's limitations.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• 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.
• 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.

Common Msk

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.

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

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Franca. 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 CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Franca frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain and achieved implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life under the skilled care of Franca. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely with a new lease on life.
• It's truly rewarding for Franca to witness patients conquer an awkward gait or limping when I walk and experience a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort again.
• Many find that awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) significantly impacts their ability to safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace. Franca helps patients target feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Franca's practice is located at the CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation, situated in the Chomedey East neighborhood of Laval. This public healthcare facility is conveniently positioned near Autoroute 15 Access and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Laval (STL). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiothérapeute can properly examine and treat the area.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. Some services within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered depending on eligibility. It's important to verify your specific coverage with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for reimbursement options.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically access 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's advisable to check your insurance policy ahead of your appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The initial session primarily involves a thorough assessment. Franca will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and goals. She will then perform physical tests to evaluate your movement, strength, and joint function. The purpose is to develop a personalized treatment plan. You may also receive initial hands-on care and exercises to start your recovery journey.

CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation
3205, Place Alton-Goldbloom
Laval, QC H7V 1R2

Phone: (450) 688-9550

Franca Coscia 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.