Joe Souaid – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Joe Souaid is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Physiothérapie Universelle (Molson) in Montréal, QC, Joe is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. With a focus on performance and athletic rehabilitation, Joe specializes in addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. His approach encompasses everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Joe also offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues, aiming to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and decrease fall risk.

Joe completed his degree in Physiotherapy with a keen interest in orthopedics, sports injuries, and vestibular rehabilitation. His clinical experience spans multiple settings, emphasizing evidence-based practices tailored to the needs of active adults and athletes. Joe continually updates his skills through ongoing professional development, ensuring his techniques reflect current research and innovative rehabilitation strategies. His expertise in musculoskeletal and vestibular physiotherapy makes him a trusted partner for those seeking to optimize performance and recover from injuries efficiently.

Joe’s practice philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. He promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Montréal community through proactive physiotherapy interventions. Joe believes in empowering patients with education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies that support lasting results. Fluent in English and French, Joe communicates clearly to ensure his patients understand their treatment process and feel confident in their recovery journey.

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

Neurological

• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Specialized physiotherapy exercises and movement strategies (e.g., LSVT BIG® principles, amplitude-based training, cueing techniques) to improve balance, gait (walking), posture, flexibility, coordination, and overall motor function in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Physiotherapy aimed at maintaining optimal function, managing contractures (joint stiffness), optimizing mobility (including prescription of mobility aids), adapting activities, and managing respiratory function (if applicable) for individuals with progressive muscle weakness due to muscular dystrophy or other myopathies.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy for weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, often affecting one side of the face (e.g., Bell's Palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, post-surgical facial nerve injury).

Common Msk

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.

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

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Joe. 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 Physiothérapie Universelle (Molson), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Joe frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Joe's clinic, common concerns like an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like getting back to golfing 18 holes without your back acting up.
• Many find that knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run significantly impacts their ability to working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness. Joe helps patients target the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Patients often come to Joe feeling defeated by recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved circulation and tissue healing and resuming playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Joe practices at Physiothérapie Universelle (Molson), situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. This private clinic is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive physiotherapy care. The clinic is well-connected by local public transit routes, ensuring straightforward access for those using buses or metro. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Québec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to consult a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable for patients to verify the specific requirements of their insurance policies before their first appointment.

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, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. Conversely, a Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments, assisting physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, helping with exercises, and reporting progress.

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

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ, and patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some coverage may be available for care in public hospitals or CLSCs under specific circumstances. It is recommended to verify individual eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult private insurance plans for coverage details.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession focused on improving movement, reducing pain, and enhancing overall physical function. A Physiothérapeute uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercises, manual therapy, and patient education to assess, diagnose, and treat injuries or impairments affecting muscles, joints, nerves, and the cardiorespiratory system. It can help in pain relief, restoring mobility, recovering from surgery, preventing injuries, and improving quality of life.

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

If you experience a significant increase in pain, new neurological symptoms, or if soreness persists beyond 48 hours, contact Joe or your Québec physiotherapist directly. They will assess your condition, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, and advise on next steps to ensure safe recovery.

Physiothérapie Universelle (Molson)
4101, Rue Molson, bur. 205
Montréal, QC H1Y 3L1

Phone: (514) 522-2220

Joe Souaid 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.