Joelle Marcotte – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Joelle Marcotte is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica in Montréal, QC, Joelle is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves 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. Joelle's approach emphasizes a comprehensive assessment and tailored interventions to support her patients' unique needs, promoting independence and optimal functioning.
Joelle completed her degree in Physiotherapy with a particular interest in neurological rehabilitation. Her clinical experience has enabled her to develop a nuanced understanding of complex neurological conditions, allowing her to implement evidence-based practices that optimize recovery outcomes. She continually updates her skills through ongoing professional development, ensuring her treatments incorporate the latest advancements in neurorehabilitation. Her dedication to her craft is reflected in her meticulous approach and her commitment to empowering patients through education and active participation in their recovery journey.
Her practice philosophy centers on a collaborative, patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Joelle believes in the importance of evidence-based practice and continuous learning to provide the highest standard of care. She is fluent in English and French, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population and ensuring clarity and understanding throughout the therapeutic process.

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

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.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy management of acute and persistent symptoms of a concussion, including addressing associated neck pain/dysfunction (cervicogenic component), vestibular (balance/dizziness) issues, oculomotor (eye movement) problems, and exertional intolerance.

Peripheral Nerve

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Management of symptoms such as pain (neuropathic pain), numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness, typically in the hands or feet, resulting from damage to peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).

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

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Joelle. 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 de réadaptation Villa Médica, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Joelle frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from Joelle, their physiotherapist, when feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like handling your job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
• Struggling with the frustration of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk? Joelle develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach. This is key to helping you get back to doing attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• The path to recovery from managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease and achieving a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency for enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again often starts with expert guidance. Joelle, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Joelle practices at the Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica, situated in a centrally located clinic within Montréal’s vibrant downtown neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently positioned near various community services and pharmacies, making access straightforward for patients. The clinic is well-connected by local public transit routes, ensuring easy reach from different parts of the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 typically pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if specific criteria are met, but private outpatient physiotherapy is usually not included. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and to check the coverage details of your private insurance plan.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan permits, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not available, we will provide an official receipt for you to submit to your insurer.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy helps you move effectively and comfortably. Whether dealing with an injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a neurological condition, Joelle will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. She uses exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice rooted in body mechanics and pain management principles to help you regain function and achieve your activity goals.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica treat?

Joelle treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes back and neck pain such as herniated discs or sciatica, joint issues like arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries including pediatric sports injuries, and nerve pain. Her practice also encompasses specialized areas such as neurological physiotherapy, including stroke, brain injury, and Parkinson's disease management. Treatments often involve Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified), core strengthening, manual therapy, and patient education to support functional recovery and wellness.

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, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify the specific requirements of your insurance plan before your appointment.

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

It is common to experience some mild soreness or a temporary increase in symptoms after physiotherapy, especially early on or when starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. If you experience significant pain, new neurological symptoms, or if soreness persists longer than expected, contact Joelle or the clinic directly for advice or reassessment.

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

A Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree and can perform assessments, establish diagnoses, and create treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college diploma and works under supervision, applying prescribed treatments without diagnosing or establishing plans independently. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica
225, Rue Sherbrooke E
Montréal, QC H2X 1C9

Phone: (514) 288-8201

Joelle Marcotte 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.