Hans Smeins – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Hans Smeins is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Kinatex Saint-Denis in Montréal, QC, Hans is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. His approach emphasizes comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment plans to address a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring each patient receives optimal care tailored to their unique needs. Hans’s clinical practice integrates evidence-based techniques with a compassionate approach, fostering an environment conducive to healing and functional improvement.

Hans's expertise spans the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of various conditions, including acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain management, arthritis care, and post-operative rehabilitation. He specializes in helping athletes—from recreational to elite—return to their sport safely, while also focusing on injury prevention and performance optimization. His care extends to older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, providing accessible and effective physiotherapy services across age groups.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Hans has developed a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy. His practice philosophy emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Fluent in German, English, French, and Dutch, Hans ensures clear communication and culturally sensitive care for a diverse patient population.

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

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

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

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• 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.
• 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.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach to help you navigate your recovery after a concussion, promoting symptom resolution and safe resumption of activities.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Hans. 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 Kinatex Saint-Denis, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Hans frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The path to recovery from pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) and achieving restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks for playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids often starts with expert guidance. Hans, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Are you finding that widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia stops you from enjoying attending and enjoying your children's or grandchildren's sporting events? Hans is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions) through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Hans's clinic, common concerns like aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.

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

Hans practices at Kinatex Saint-Denis, situated in a central Montréal neighborhood, within a modern private clinic facility. The location is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access a comprehensive healthcare experience. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, allowing patients to reach their appointments with ease. 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?

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.

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

In Quebec, most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance plans. However, care received within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered under specific circumstances. It is advisable to verify individual eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for coverage details.

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

Patients in Quebec can generally access physiotherapy services directly without a physician’s referral, a practice known as direct access. Nevertheless, some private or extended health insurance plans might require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider prior to your appointment.

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

It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access to the area being examined or treated. For example, shorts for knee issues or sleeveless tops for shoulder concerns. This ensures that the physiotherapist can perform an effective assessment and treatment.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, physiotherapy plays a vital role in injury prevention and managing chronic or recurrent pain. By addressing muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, and postural issues through targeted exercises, education, and ergonomic advice, physiotherapy helps reduce the risk of injury and supports long-term health and activity levels.

Kinatex Saint-Denis
8397, Rue Saint-Denis
Montréal, QC H2P 2G9

Phone: (514) 384-6703 | Website: kinatex.com

Hans Smeins 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.