Karim Sami Samman – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Karim Sami Samman is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Physio Outaouais in Gatineau, QC, Karim is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. His approach emphasizes performance enhancement and athletic recovery, helping active individuals optimize their physical potential and prevent injuries through tailored treatment plans. Karim’s practice integrates evidence-based techniques with a focus on functional movement and strength, ensuring patients achieve their goals efficiently and safely.

Karim's physiotherapy expertise encompasses addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, Karim offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. His goal is to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and reduce fall risk, particularly for athletes and active adults seeking to return to their peak performance.

With a background rooted in ongoing professional development, Karim has cultivated skills and a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation. He serves a diverse clientele, including older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, always striving to empower his patients through education, proactive care, and personalized strategies that promote long-term wellness and athletic excellence.

Karim Sami Samman provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

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

• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Helping you stay steady on your feet and maintain your independence through targeted balance and coordination exercises, and practical fall prevention education.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Comprehensive support for improving performance in activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, bathing, transferring, cooking) and rebuilding physical confidence and independence in older adults.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Tailored exercise prescription, education on safe movement, manual therapy (gentle techniques), and functional training to help seniors maintain their independence, enhance safety in their home and community, and promote active and healthy aging.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID)? Karim works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches.
• Patients often come to Karim feeling defeated by breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community and resuming being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Tired of a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck interfering with participating in community events and social gatherings more actively? Karim uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Karim practices at Physio Outaouais, situated in the Aylmer Sector East (Plateau) neighborhood of Gatineau. This private clinic facility is conveniently located near the UQO (Université du Québec en Outaouais) Campus Alexandre-Taché and is easily accessible via Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 through private insurance plans. Some coverage might be available if the care is received directly within a public hospital or CLSC under specific criteria. It is advisable to verify your coverage directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance policies for potential reimbursement options.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Karim will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate goal is to help you feel better, not worse.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Karim can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modifications, physiotherapy can reduce your risk of initial injury, re-injury, and chronic pain.

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 degree, enabling them to assess, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on technical application, assisting physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, and reporting progress.

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

It is helpful to bring your health card, referral letters if applicable, relevant medical test reports (X-rays, MRIs), and insurance details. Wearing comfortable clothing that allows easy movement during assessment is also recommended.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally access a Physiothérapeute directly without a referral, known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your appointment.

Physio Outaouais
425, Chemin Vanier, suite 208
Gatineau, QC J9J 3H9

Phone: (819) 557-7775 | Website: https://www.physiooutaouais.ca/

Karim Sami Samman 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.