Josianne Charbonneau – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Josianne Charbonneau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Hôpital Sacré-Coeur) in Montréal, QC, Josianne is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes compassionate support and personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs, fostering a healing environment where patients feel empowered and understood.

Josianne's role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life following neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. She also specializes in managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, including COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Her interventions often include breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, exercise prescription, and patient education to promote long-term wellness and independence.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Josianne has completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that fuels her ongoing professional development. She has developed particular expertise in neurological and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, ensuring her patients benefit from the latest techniques and personalized care strategies. Josianne is fluent in English and French, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population in Montréal.

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

Long Covid

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Symptom Management: Managing a wide range of persistent or new symptoms that can occur for weeks, months, or longer after the acute COVID-19 infection, including profound fatigue, breathlessness, 'brain fog' (cognitive issues), muscle weakness, joint pain, exercise intolerance, dizziness, and POTS-like symptoms.

Cardioresp

• Bronchiectasis Management (Airway Clearance): Improving lung hygiene, reducing cough burden, and enhancing quality of life for those with bronchiectasis through tailored physiotherapy interventions.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): Helping you breathe easier, do more with less shortness of breath, and better manage your COPD through a personalized physiotherapy plan.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

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

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: Improving your breathing efficiency, increasing your exercise tolerance, reducing feelings of breathlessness, and enhancing your overall well-being and ability to perform daily activities when living with a chronic respiratory disease.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Rehabilitation support following cardiac events (e.g., heart attack, bypass surgery - often as part of a cardiac rehab team) or for chronic respiratory conditions like COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis), asthma, or bronchiectasis.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Josianne. 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 du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Hôpital Sacré-Coeur), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Josianne frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Living with swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment doesn't have to be your norm. Josianne applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching your back.
• Josianne believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy is hindering your ability to shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back, a personalized plan focusing on improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks can make all the difference.
• Are you finding that loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury stops you from enjoying returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun? Josianne is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Josianne practices at CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Hôpital Sacré-Coeur), located in a central Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring ease of travel for those using buses and metro services. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiothérapeute to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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 is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

Does CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Hôpital Sacré-Coeur) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, our clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate the process. We recommend verifying your coverage with your insurer beforehand, as some plans may have specific requirements or limitations. If direct billing isn't available for your plan, you will receive an official receipt to submit for reimbursement.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a 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 details before your appointment to ensure coverage.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute holds a university master’s degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform patient assessments, establish diagnoses, create treatment plans, and perform certain restricted activities. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress but does not diagnose or independently establish treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered under specific circumstances. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It’s difficult to predict exactly without a thorough assessment, as needs vary based on individual conditions and recovery progress. Some may require only a few sessions, while others with chronic or complex issues may need ongoing care. Your physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment plan after your initial assessment and adjust it as needed.

CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Hôpital Sacré-Coeur)
5400, Boulevard Gouin O
Montréal, QC H4J 1C5

Phone: (514) 338-2222

Josianne Charbonneau 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.