Judith Gareau – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Judith Gareau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Pediatric Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Centre de Réadaptation Marie-Enfant du CH Ste-Justine in Montréal, QC, Judith is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves providing specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents to address developmental delays, congenital conditions such as torticollis, orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and to promote optimal motor function and participation. Judith works closely with families and caregivers to develop individualized treatment plans that support each child's unique developmental needs and goals, helping them achieve greater independence and improved quality of life.

With a focus on recovery, mobility, symptom management, and enhancing overall well-being, Judith assists individuals in recovering function and improving mobility after neurological events such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, or neurodegenerative conditions like Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease. Her approach emphasizes early intervention, evidence-based practices, and collaborative goal setting to empower her young patients and their families. Judith’s compassionate and attentive manner ensures a supportive environment where children feel safe and motivated to participate actively in their therapy process.

Judith Gareau completed her degree in Physiotherapy and, through years of clinical experience, has developed a strong commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. She has cultivated expertise and a particular interest in Pediatric Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy, continually updating her skills to incorporate the latest techniques and research. Fluent in both French and English, Judith effectively communicates with diverse populations, ensuring clear understanding and engagement throughout the therapeutic journey.

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

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Difficulty maintaining stability during standing, walking, or changing positions, which may be due to various factors including age-related changes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal weakness, sensory impairments, or medication side effects, often leading to an increased risk of falls.

Neurological

• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: A movement-based therapy approach, often guided by principles of motor learning and de-emphasis on presumed damage, to help individuals with FND regain voluntary control over their physical symptoms and improve confidence in their movements.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy aimed at improving mobility (e.g., walking, transfers), balance, strength, coordination, sensation, and daily function (e.g., dressing, self-care) after a stroke (cerebrovascular accident).
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy support for the physical challenges of Multiple Sclerosis, focusing on maximizing mobility, safety, and participation in daily life.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Specialized neurorehabilitation programs designed by a Physiotherapist to improve physical function, optimize movement potential, and enhance quality of life for individuals living with an SCI.

Common Msk

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• 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.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.

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

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Specialized therapeutic interventions provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to assist individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, balance, coordination, strength, and independence following a neurological event or diagnosis.
• Congenital Muscular Torticollis & Plagiocephaly (Flat Head) Treatment: Early intervention physiotherapy crucial for correcting infant neck posture, promoting symmetrical head and neck movement, and improving head shape, often preventing the need for helmet therapy or more invasive measures.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Customized exercise-based programs (e.g., gaze stabilization, habituation, balance retraining exercises) prescribed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist to reduce vestibular symptoms, improve functional balance, decrease fall risk, and enhance confidence in movement.
• Pediatric Physiotherapy (Infants, Children & Adolescents): Working collaboratively with children and their families/caregivers to set meaningful goals, provide education and home programs, and optimize physical development and functional independence.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy to address persistent concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, and difficulty concentrating or tolerating activity.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Judith. 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 Centre de Réadaptation Marie-Enfant du CH Ste-Justine, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Judith frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Judith feeling defeated by feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces and resuming doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Living with that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity doesn't have to be your norm. Judith applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house.
• For those whose difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain has made hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter seem like a distant memory, Judith's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Judith practices at the Centre de Réadaptation Marie-Enfant du CH Ste-Justine, situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies and is accessible via multiple public transit routes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs and treatment plan.

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

Patients in Quebec can generally see a Physiothérapeute directly through a process known as direct access, without a physician's referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy details prior to your appointment.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiothérapeute to easily access and assess the area being treated and to perform any exercises or movements. Items like shorts, tank tops, or loose T-shirts are suitable. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Technologue en physiothérapie in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, allowing them to independently assess patients, diagnose, and develop treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and assists in implementing treatment plans, helping with exercises, modalities, and reporting back to the supervising physiotherapist.

Centre de Réadaptation Marie-Enfant du CH Ste-Justine
5200, Rue Bélanger E
Montréal, QC H1T 1C9

Phone: (514) 374-1710

Judith Gareau 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.