Geneviève Blanchette

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Neurological

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Helping individuals with spinal cord injuries achieve their highest level of physical potential through targeted exercises, functional training, equipment prescription, and compensatory strategies.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises and techniques provided by a Physiotherapist to manage symptoms of facial palsy and support optimal recovery of facial muscle control.

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).

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

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Pediatric Physiotherapy (Infants, Children & Adolescents): Specialized physiotherapy assessment and treatment for a wide range of conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents, including developmental delays (e.g., not meeting motor milestones), congenital muscular torticollis, plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome), orthopedic conditions (e.g., fractures, growing pains, sports injuries like Osgood-Schlatter or Sever's disease), and some neurological issues.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• 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.
• Congenital Muscular Torticollis & Plagiocephaly (Flat Head) Treatment: Comprehensive guidance for parents on managing torticollis and plagiocephaly at home, including tummy time strategies, environmental adaptations, and therapeutic play.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Geneviève. 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 McGill Sport Medicine Clinic, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Geneviève frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain? Geneviève works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand). This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids.
• Geneviève frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• At Geneviève's physiotherapy practice, individuals with breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity are guided towards feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting.

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

Geneviève practices at McGill Sport Medicine Clinic, situated in the central Montréal neighborhood of Montréal. The clinic is housed within a private facility that is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access a wide range of health resources. The location is well-served by public transit routes, ensuring easy and efficient travel for patients coming from various parts of the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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).

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, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to consult a physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a physician's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

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 McGill Sport Medicine 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 possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body’s response to therapy, and your adherence to home exercises and self-management strategies. Your physiothérapeute will discuss a proposed treatment plan after your initial assessment and continually re-evaluate your progress.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the physiothérapeute will conduct a comprehensive evaluation that includes discussing your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. A physical assessment will follow to identify the cause of your condition and assess your physical capabilities. The therapist will then explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a plan of care. You may receive initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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. Some coverage may be available if the care is received in a public hospital or CLSC under specific criteria. Most patients pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance for private clinic physiotherapy. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used by a physiothérapeute to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This includes joint mobilization, joint manipulation (performed with your consent and within scope), soft tissue techniques like massage and myofascial release, and neural mobilization. The goal is to reduce pain, improve joint and tissue mobility, and restore optimal function.

McGill Sport Medicine Clinic
475, Avenue des Pins O, # 317
Montréal, QC H2W 1S4

Phone: (819) 592-9310

Geneviève Blanchette 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.