Francois Giguere – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Francois Giguere is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica in Montréal, QC, Francois is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. His practice is centered on assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life following neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Francois's approach emphasizes tailored interventions that respect each patient's unique health needs, with a focus on fostering independence and optimizing functional outcomes for adult patients.

With a comprehensive understanding of neurological and geriatric physiotherapy, Francois dedicates himself to evidence-based practice and continuous professional development. His clinical experience has allowed him to refine skills in neurological physiotherapy and geriatrics, ensuring that his treatments incorporate the latest research and techniques to maximize recovery and wellbeing for his patients. Francois believes in empowering patients through education, promoting active participation in their rehabilitation journey, and utilizing innovative strategies to facilitate meaningful progress.

Francois is fluent in English, Spanish, and French, which allows him to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population. His practice philosophy revolves around a collaborative approach, working closely with each individual to set realistic goals and develop personalized treatment plans. Francois’s commitment to ongoing learning and patient-centered care ensures that every patient receives the highest standard of physiotherapy tailored to performance and athletic-oriented recovery.

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

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Improving safety, function, and quality of life for those with impaired sensation or strength due to various types of peripheral neuropathy.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.
• 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-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy management of acute and persistent symptoms of a concussion, including addressing associated neck pain/dysfunction (cervicogenic component), vestibular (balance/dizziness) issues, oculomotor (eye movement) problems, and exertional intolerance.

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

• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Tailored exercises, hands-on techniques, and functional strategies to manage symptoms (e.g., spasticity, weakness, ataxia) and optimize function in various neurological conditions, promoting participation in daily life.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Comprehensive assessment of your fall risk factors with individualized interventions, including balance exercises, strength training, gait re-training, and home safety advice to help you prevent falls.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Personalized physiotherapy programs designed to reduce the impact of chronic pain on your life, helping you to gradually increase activity levels and re-engage in meaningful activities.

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

• Living with difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke doesn't have to be your norm. Francois applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• Tired of difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain interfering with doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain? Francois uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings and regain your freedom of movement.
• The path to recovery from aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk and achieving greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching for spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain often starts with expert guidance. Francois, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Francois practices at the Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica, situated in a centrally located clinic in the Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility offers accessible, specialized neurological rehabilitation services close to local community resources, pharmacies, and public transit routes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiothérapeute will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiothérapeute would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care provided within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your coverage directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for extended coverage.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions are usually shorter, around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs and treatment plan.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see 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. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your appointment.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, and create treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying treatments and guiding exercises without diagnosing or independently planning care. Both are regulated by the OPPQ.

Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica
225, Rue Sherbrooke E
Montréal, QC H2X 1C9

Phone: (514) 288-8201

Francois Giguere 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.