Gisèle Vandal – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Gisèle Vandal is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at CIUSSS du Nord-de-L'Île-de-Montréal (CLSC Bordeaux-Cartierville) in Montréal, QC, Gisèle is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves focusing on the unique health needs of older adults, with the goal of improving and maintaining mobility, strength, and balance. She aims to manage age-related conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence for her senior patients. Gisèle believes that empowering her patients through education and tailored exercises fosters confidence and supports long-term wellness in the community she serves.

Gisèle Vandal completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience. She is deeply committed to ongoing professional development and staying current with evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Her particular interest and expertise lie in Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health, allowing her to develop specialized approaches that address the complex and evolving needs of older adults. Whether working on restoring mobility after injury or helping manage chronic age-related conditions, Gisèle’s approach is compassionate, respectful, and aimed at fostering independence and well-being.

Her practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Gisèle maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous learning to ensure her patients receive the highest standard of care. She is fluent in English and French, which enables her to communicate effectively with a diverse community, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all her patients.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Difficulty maintaining stability during standing, walking, or changing positions, which may be due to various factors including age-related changes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal weakness, sensory impairments, or medication side effects, often leading to an increased risk of falls.

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

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Gisèle. 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 Nord-de-L'Île-de-Montréal (CLSC Bordeaux-Cartierville), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Gisèle frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Gisèle feeling defeated by my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain and resuming feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• For those whose trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has made performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching your back seem like a distant memory, Gisèle's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching your back with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Gisèle frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like maintaining an upright posture while working on your computer for hours.

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

Gisèle practices at CIUSSS du Nord-de-L'Île-de-Montréal (CLSC Bordeaux-Cartierville), situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. This public sector Home support facility is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for seniors to access care. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring ease of travel for patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiothérapeute will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

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 typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care provided directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if specific criteria are met. It is advisable to verify your individual eligibility with RAMQ and check your private or extended health insurance plans for coverage.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiothérapeute will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally access physiotherapy services 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 is recommended to check the requirements of your insurance plan before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

CIUSSS du Nord-de-L'Île-de-Montréal (CLSC Bordeaux-Cartierville)
11822, Avenue du Bois-de-Boulogne
Montréal, QC H3M 2X6

Phone: (514) 331-2572

Gisèle Vandal 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.