Julien Bellavance – Physiotherapist | Montréal-Nord, QC

Julien Bellavance is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Clinique Physio-Expert Inc. in Montréal-Nord, QC. He 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). Julien's approach emphasizes a thorough understanding of each patient’s unique condition, ensuring personalized treatment plans that promote optimal recovery and functional improvement.

Julien’s physiotherapy practice addresses a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and balance-related conditions. His expertise encompasses managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. He also assists individuals recovering from neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's Disease, aiming to restore mobility, reduce symptoms, and enhance quality of life for older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Julien has cultivated skills in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, along with a keen interest in neurological rehabilitation. His philosophy centers on evidence-based practices, continuous learning, and fostering a collaborative relationship with his patients. Julien is fluent in English and French, ensuring clear and effective communication with his diverse patient population.

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

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Addressing the physical consequences of nerve damage in the limbs through targeted exercises (e.g., for balance, strength, desensitization), sensory re-education, and advice on appropriate footwear or assistive devices.
• 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.

Common Msk

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).

Vestibular Balance

• 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).
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.

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

• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• 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.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Julien. 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 Clinique Physio-Expert Inc., physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Julien frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• When that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort, physiotherapy with Julien can help you work towards increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Don't let aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk dictate what you can and cannot do. Julien offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence, helping you reclaim returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun and enjoy a more functional life.
• Living with dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash doesn't have to be your norm. Julien applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably.

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

Julien's practice at Clinique Physio-Expert Inc. is situated in a centrally located clinic within the Montréal-Nord neighbourhood of Montréal-Nord. The facility is conveniently positioned near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring easy access for those using bus or train services. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiothérapeute has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

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, which is 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 confirm any specific requirements.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, Julien will work with you. They will use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

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. They may also perform certain restricted activities if holding specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding patients through exercises but does not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions 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?

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if specific criteria are met. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many offer coverage for physiotherapy in private settings.

Clinique Physio-Expert Inc.
12421, Boulevard Lacordaire, # 202
Montréal-Nord, QC H1G 4L5

Phone: (514) 325-2522

Julien Bellavance 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.