Isabelle Kienzle – Physiotherapist | Westmount, QC

Isabelle Kienzle is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at ASK Physiothérapie - Centre de rééducation périnéale et pelvienne in Westmount, QC, Isabelle is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She takes a warm, community-focused approach to her practice, ensuring each patient feels welcomed and supported throughout their rehabilitation journey.

Isabelle's role involves addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including issues involving muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Her expertise extends to managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain conditions, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, Isabelle provides specialized assessment and treatment for pelvic health concerns affecting all genders, including incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal issues. Her comprehensive approach aims to restore function, reduce pain, and improve overall well-being.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, Isabelle has completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience. She is particularly interested in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, continuously updating her skills through ongoing professional development. Isabelle's practice philosophy emphasizes collaboration with her patients, working together to achieve personalized movement and health goals. She is fluent in both French and English, enabling her to serve a diverse community with compassion and clarity.

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

Arthritis

• 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.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.

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 chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

Back & Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• 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: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.

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

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiothérapeute to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• 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 Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Isabelle. 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 ASK Physiothérapie - Centre de rééducation périnéale et pelvienne, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Isabelle frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints when faced with persistent difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain is made smoother and more effective with Isabelle's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard? Isabelle works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.
• At Isabelle's physiotherapy practice, individuals with that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit are guided towards feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as playing in your competitive volleyball league again.

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

Isabelle practices at 'ASK Physiothérapie - Centre de rééducation périnéale et pelvienne', situated in a modern clinic located in the central Westmount neighborhood of Westmount. This private facility is conveniently positioned amidst the community's local services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care close to home. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring easy transportation for those coming from various parts of the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiothérapeute to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered directly by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance plans. Some public coverage may exist for specific cases, such as care received through public hospitals or CLSCs for certain conditions. It’s important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private extended health insurance plan, as many offer coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master’s degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises without diagnosing or establishing treatment plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best. For lower-body issues, shorts are helpful, while for upper-body concerns, a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable. This allows the Physiothérapeute to properly examine and treat the relevant area.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, trigger point release, and neural mobilization. These techniques aim to reduce pain, improve mobility, restore joint function, and promote tissue healing.

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

No, in Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly through a process known as 'direct access'. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first visit.

ASK Physiothérapie - Centre de rééducation périnéale et pelvienne
4203, Rue Sainte-Catherine O, #204
Westmount, QC H3Z 1P6

Phone: (514) 777-5435

Isabelle Kienzle 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.