Irina Yugay – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Irina Yugay is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Hôpital général juif / Jewish General Hospital in Montréal, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Irina's approach focuses on understanding each patient's unique needs, fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable and empowered in their healing journey. Her goal is to help patients recover function, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life through personalized physiotherapy interventions.

Irina specializes in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-surgical conditions. She assists adults and seniors in managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic issues like arthritis and persistent pain. Irina’s expertise extends to neurological rehabilitation, helping individuals recover from events such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, or neurological conditions like Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease. Her holistic approach emphasizes restoring mobility, alleviating symptoms, and promoting long-term wellness, ensuring her patients regain confidence in their movement and daily activities.

With a solid foundation in physiotherapy education and ongoing professional development, Irina has cultivated skills in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. She is dedicated to evidence-based practices, continuously updating her knowledge to offer the most effective treatments. Irina believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to set achievable goals and develop tailored treatment plans. She is fluent in English, French, and Russian, enabling her to communicate effectively with diverse communities in Montréal.

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

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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.

Common Msk

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.

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

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiothérapeute to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiothérapeute is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Irina. 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 Hôpital général juif / Jewish General Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Irina frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity is preventing you from fully enjoying maintaining an upright posture while working on your computer for hours, Irina offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) and achieved a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties under the skilled care of Irina. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as comfortably cooking and meal prepping for your family with a new lease on life.
• For those whose recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery has made dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations seem like a distant memory, Irina's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Irina practices at the Hôpital général juif / Jewish General Hospital, located in the heart of the central Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The hospital is well-connected by local public transit routes, ensuring easy transportation for those coming from different parts of the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, and street parking as well as nearby paid parking lots offer convenient options for visitors seeking to attend their appointments comfortably and without hassle.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiothérapeute to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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 typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm their specific requirements.

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. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some coverage may be available for physiotherapy received through public hospitals or CLSCs under specific circumstances. It’s recommended to verify your eligibility and coverage details directly with RAMQ and your insurance plan.

How can I book an appointment at Hôpital général juif / Jewish General Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (514) 340-8238 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn’t settle within a day or two, please contact us. Your Physiothérapeute would want to know so they can provide guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is essential for a successful recovery.

Hôpital général juif / Jewish General Hospital
3755, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC H3T 1E2

Phone: (514) 340-8238

Irina Yugay 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.