Joanne Ramos – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Joanne Ramos is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at the McGill University Health Centre 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). Joanne takes a comprehensive approach to physiotherapy, addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. Her expertise encompasses everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and post-operative rehabilitation. Joanne’s focus extends to the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain their mobility, strength, and balance, while managing age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis. Her goal is to help her patients achieve greater independence, reduce fall risk, and enhance their overall quality of life.

With a solid educational foundation, Joanne completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated diverse clinical experience. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development and consistently applies evidence-based practices in her treatments. Joanne has developed particular interests and skills in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Geriatric Physiotherapy/Seniors’ Health, allowing her to tailor her interventions to meet the specific needs of her adult patients. Her approach emphasizes collaboration, ensuring that each patient’s treatment plan is personalized and goal-oriented.

Joanne’s practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to help them reach their movement and functional goals. She is committed to evidence-based practice and continuous learning to provide the best possible care. Joanne promotes preventative care and long-term wellness through proactive physiotherapy strategies. She is fluent in both English and French, enabling her to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population in Montréal.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.

Back & Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• 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.

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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• 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.
• 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. Joanne can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Joanne. 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 McGill University Health centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Joanne frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Physiotherapy with Joanne can be a transformative turning point for those affected by that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away. The shared goal is achieving feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries, paving the way for you to enjoy participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf and a more active, vibrant life.
• Tired of a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) interfering with reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain? Joanne uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines and regain your freedom of movement.
• Rediscover your ability to carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably without the constant burden of that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees. Joanne focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Joanne practices at the McGill University Health Centre, situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. The facility is part of a public healthcare network, offering accessible and comprehensive care to the community. The clinic's location is conveniently close to local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access additional health resources. It is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring that patients can reach appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiothérapeute will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at McGill University Health centre treat?

Joanne’s physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, tendinopathies (e.g., Achilles, tennis elbow), joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, and nerve pain. Their treatments often involve modalities like Cryotherapy (cold therapy), Therapeutic Heat, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The initial visit involves a comprehensive assessment, where Joanne will discuss your specific issue, medical history, and overall health background. She will perform physical tests to evaluate your movement, strength, and areas of concern. The goal is to develop a tailored treatment plan collaboratively. You may also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to support healing.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Coverage may be available if the treatment occurs within a public hospital or CLSC under specific conditions. It is recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage details.

McGill University Health centre
1001, Boulevard Décarie, bureau D.RC.4108
Montréal, QC H4A 3J1

Phone: (514) 934-1934

Joanne Ramos 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.