Ilka Beatriz Mercado Diaz is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CHSLD GOUIN in Montréal-Nord, QC, Ilka is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Ilka’s role focuses on assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. She is particularly attentive to the needs of senior patients, ensuring that each individual receives compassionate and tailored care that respects their unique health circumstances.
With a solid educational background and clinical experience, Ilka has completed her degree in Physiotherapy and continuously seeks to expand her knowledge through ongoing professional development. Her expertise includes therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring. Ilka’s approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, aiming to optimize recovery outcomes while fostering a supportive environment that empowers her patients to actively participate in their health journey.
Ilka is dedicated to a philosophy of care that emphasizes continuous learning, clear patient education, and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and French, enabling her to communicate effectively with a diverse range of patients and provide inclusive, accessible physiotherapy services.
Ilka Beatriz Mercado Diaz provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Common Msk
- Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.
- Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
- Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Ilka can assess your needs.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
- Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
- Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
- Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
- Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Ilka. 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 CHSLD GOUIN, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Ilka frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Are you finding that numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs stops you from enjoying using garden tools effectively and without pain? Ilka is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
- Patients struggling with working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery can find dedicated and compassionate support from Ilka. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.
- If recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee is preventing you from fully enjoying engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands, Ilka offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Ilka, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Ilka practices at CHSLD GOUIN, situated in a central Montréal-Nord neighborhood of Montréal-Nord. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies and is accessible via multiple public transit routes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?
- Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapy Technologist can properly examine and treat the area.
- Does CHSLD GOUIN offer direct billing to private insurance companies?
- Yes, CHSLD GOUIN offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. However, it is recommended to confirm coverage specifics with your insurance provider, as plans vary. The patient is responsible for any portion not covered by insurance.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapy Technologist in QC?
- In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiotherapy Technologist 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 advisable to check your insurance policy details before your first appointment.
- Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Coverage may be available if care is received within a public hospital or CLSC meeting their criteria. Most patients pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance for physiotherapy services in private clinics. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans.
- What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?
- A Physiothérapeute in Quebec holds a university master’s degree and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, and create treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed modalities, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress without diagnosing independently. Both are regulated by the OPPQ.
- 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. It is recommended to contact your insurance provider before your first visit to understand your coverage details, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, co-payments, and whether a referral is needed. If the clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can bill your insurer directly. Otherwise, you will need to pay at the time of service and submit receipts for reimbursement.
CHSLD GOUIN
4445, Boulevard Henri-Bourassa E
Montréal-Nord, QC H1H 5M4
Phone: (514) 327-6209
Ilka Beatriz Mercado Diaz 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.