Isabelle Nicolau De Oliveira Barreira – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Isabelle Nicolau De Oliveira Barreira is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CIUSSS CH RICHARDSON in Montréal, QC, Isabelle is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs, ensuring a compassionate and effective rehabilitation experience.

With a focus on assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease, Isabelle's expertise extends to a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Her comprehensive care includes managing acute injuries like sprains and strains, chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation, supporting patients in regaining independence and optimal function.

Isabelle completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that underscores her commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. She has cultivated particular interests in Neurological Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, continually updating her skills to provide the most current and effective treatments. Fluent in English, Portuguese, and French, Isabelle communicates seamlessly with a diverse patient population, ensuring clear understanding and patient engagement throughout the rehabilitation process.

Isabelle Nicolau De Oliveira Barreira 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): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.

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 CIUSSS CH RICHARDSON, 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:

• Patients struggling with trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain can find dedicated and compassionate support from Isabelle. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness.
• Rediscover your ability to returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun without the constant burden of sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica. Isabelle focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• When trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, physiotherapy with Isabelle can help you work towards enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Isabelle practices at CIUSSS CH RICHARDSON, situated in a modern clinic in the central Montréal neighborhood of Montréal. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it accessible for patients from various parts of the city. The clinic is easily reachable via multiple public transit routes, including buses and metro stations. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Does CIUSSS CH RICHARDSON offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CIUSSS CH RICHARDSON offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Patients are advised to bring their insurance card and policy details to facilitate seamless billing. It is recommended to verify coverage specifics, including any annual maximums or per-visit limits, directly with your insurance provider. Patients are responsible for any portion not covered by their insurance.

Is there parking available at or near CIUSSS CH RICHARDSON?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Additional street parking may be available on nearby streets, and a paid public parkade is located one block east of our clinic. Always check signs for parking restrictions or time limits.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiothérapeute can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach benefits athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, and anyone seeking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute (Physiothérapeute) 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 your insurance policy requirements before your appointment to ensure coverage. While a referral is not mandatory for treatment, having one may facilitate insurance claims.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, allowing them to assess patients, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on technical application, assisting physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, helping patients with exercises, and reporting progress to the supervising professional.

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

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered directly by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some exceptions exist for care received in public hospitals or CLSCs meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and review your private insurance plans, as many offer coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

CIUSSS CH RICHARDSON
5425, Avenue Bessborough
Montréal, QC H4V 2S7

Phone: (514) 484-7878

Isabelle Nicolau De Oliveira Barreira 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.