Geneviève Lafrance-Petrelli – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Geneviève Lafrance-Petrelli is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame in Montréal, QC, Geneviève is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Her approach includes breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, exercise prescription, and education to support individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, and managing symptoms. Additionally, Geneviève assists patients in their recovery from neurological events or conditions like stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease, aiming to enhance their quality of life and functional independence.

With a solid educational foundation, Geneviève Lafrance-Petrelli completed her degree in Physiotherapy. Her clinical experience is complemented by a strong commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. She has developed particular expertise and a keen interest in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy, which allows her to tailor her interventions to meet the unique needs of each patient. Her dedication to staying current with the latest advancements ensures her patients receive the most effective and innovative care possible.

Geneviève's practice philosophy revolves around a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous learning. She believes in promoting preventative care and long-term wellness within the Montréal community through proactive physiotherapy. Her approach emphasizes empowering patients by providing clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Fluent in both English and French, Geneviève ensures effective communication and compassionate support for all her patients.

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

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Long Covid

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Symptom Management: Physiotherapy support to help individuals recover from the long-term physical and functional impact of COVID-19, improve their daily function, energy levels, and overall quality of life through a personalized and cautious approach.

Cardioresp

• Post-Pneumonia / Respiratory Infection Recovery: Physiotherapy to aid your recovery from serious respiratory illnesses and their lingering effects on your breathing and overall physical capacity.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): Physiotherapy as a core component of pulmonary rehabilitation programs for COPD, including supervised exercise training (aerobic and strength), breathing techniques (e.g., pursed-lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing), airway clearance techniques (if mucus is an issue), and education to help manage COPD symptoms, improve exercise tolerance, and enhance quality of life.
• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Physiotherapy to help individuals safely return to physical activity, improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance, and enhance overall heart health after a cardiac incident or procedure, often in a supervised setting initially.
• Asthma Management (Exercise-Induced & General Support): Physiotherapy support for asthma management, including education on proper inhaler technique, breathing control exercises (e.g., to manage acute symptoms or anxiety during an attack), strategies to improve exercise tolerance and manage EIB, and general fitness advice.

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

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: Tailored rehabilitation programs focusing on symptom-guided graded exercise therapy (starting very gently), pacing strategies to manage energy levels (avoiding post-exertional malaise), breathing exercises, functional retraining for daily activities, and education to help individuals recover from the long-term effects of COVID-19.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.

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 CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame, 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:

• Tired of working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery interfering with sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort? Geneviève uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort and regain your freedom of movement.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems and achieved more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand) under the skilled care of Geneviève. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports with a new lease on life.
• Living with loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury doesn't have to be your norm. Geneviève applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids.

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

Geneviève practices at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame, situated in a modern clinic in the central Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is well-connected by multiple public transit routes, ensuring convenient transportation options for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to initiate physiotherapy, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the requirements of your insurance provider before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

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. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. For most outpatient physiotherapy in private clinics, private insurance is typically used to cover costs. It is recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage details.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Absolutely. Physiotherapy not only treats existing issues but also plays a proactive role in injury prevention. A Physiothérapeute can assess your movement patterns, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances, and develop a personalized exercise and self-management plan. This approach helps individuals, especially athletes or those with physically demanding jobs, maintain musculoskeletal health and avoid future injuries or recurring pain.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame treat?

Geneviève treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes back and neck pain, joint issues such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, nerve pain, and conditions like urinary incontinence. Her expertise extends to Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation, manual therapy, and exercise prescription, all aimed at helping patients achieve their functional goals.

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 level university education, allowing them to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and supports physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, and applying modalities under supervision.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on individual needs and goals. After a detailed initial assessment, Geneviève will provide an estimate and adjust the plan as needed based on your progress. Regular reviews ensure that your treatment remains aligned with your recovery objectives.

CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame
1560, Rue Sherbrooke E
Montréal, QC H2L 4M1

Phone: (514) 222-0541

Geneviève Lafrance-Petrelli 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.