Karina Laitenberger – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Karina Laitenberger is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Clinique Rosemont in Montréal, QC. She 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). Karina’s approach is rooted in compassion, understanding that each individual’s journey to recovery is unique, and she strives to support her patients with empathy and respect throughout their healing process.

Her physiotherapy practice encompasses addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. Whether dealing with acute injuries such as sprains and strains, managing chronic pain, arthritis, or facilitating post-operative rehabilitation, Karina offers tailored interventions to help her patients regain mobility and reduce discomfort. She also provides specialized services for infants, children, and adolescents, focusing on developmental delays, congenital conditions like torticollis, orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and promoting optimal motor function and participation in daily activities. Her holistic approach ensures that patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, receive compassionate and effective care.

Karina completed her degree in Physiotherapy with a focus on evidence-based practices and continuous professional development. Over the years, she has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Pediatric Physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. She is dedicated to empowering her patients through education and practical self-management strategies, ensuring lasting results. Karina is fluent in both English and French, allowing her to communicate effectively with a diverse range of patients.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Pain felt around, under, or behind the kneecap (patella), often described as a dull ache that is aggravated by activities like running, jumping, squatting, using stairs (especially going down), or prolonged sitting with the knee bent.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), often resulting from running, jumping, or other repetitive impact activities, especially with sudden increases in training intensity or volume.

Pediatric

• Pediatric Sports Injuries & Growing Pains (e.g., Osgood-Schlatter, Sever's Disease): Specialized physiotherapy for sports injuries in the pediatric population, considering growth plate sensitivity and the importance of age-appropriate rehabilitation.
• Toe Walking (Idiopathic / Habitual): Persistent walking on the toes or balls of the feet in young children, without a known underlying medical or neurological cause (idiopathic toe walking), often developing as a habit after initially learning to walk.
• Congenital Muscular Torticollis / Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome): A condition often present at or shortly after birth, where a baby's neck muscle (typically the sternocleidomastoid) is tight or shortened, causing the head to tilt to one side and rotate to the opposite side. Often associated with plagiocephaly (asymmetrical head shape or 'flat head syndrome') due to preferential head positioning.
• Developmental Delays (Gross Motor Skills): Helping babies and young children catch up on their physical developmental milestones, improve coordination, strength, and balance for successful participation in play and daily activities.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• 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.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• 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.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from an awkward gait or limping when I walk and achieved greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities under the skilled care of Karina. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as being able to carry your baby or toddler without straining your back or arms with a new lease on life.
• If recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) is preventing you from fully enjoying taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes, Karina offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• The journey to understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term when faced with persistent an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak is made smoother and more effective with Karina's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like working on detailed woodworking projects in your shop without hand pain.

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

Karina practices at Clinique Rosemont, situated in the central Montréal neighborhood of Montréal. The clinic is conveniently located in a modern facility that is easily accessible by public transit, with nearby community services and pharmacies. 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 performed in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance for these services. Some care received directly within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if specific criteria are met. It is important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private extended health insurance plans, as many offer substantial physiotherapy coverage for private clinic services.

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

Patients in Quebec 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 first appointment.

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 and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or establish independent treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiothérapeute will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and goals. A physical assessment will be performed to identify the root cause of your condition. Together, you will set treatment objectives and outline a plan of care, which may include exercises, hands-on therapy, or education to support your recovery.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at Clinique Rosemont treat?

Karina treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, nerve pain, and pediatric conditions like developmental delays or congenital issues. Her treatments often involve manual therapy, postural correction, and patient education to help you regain optimal function.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, physiotherapy can be instrumental in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Karina can identify risk factors such as muscle imbalances or poor movement patterns and provide targeted exercises and education to reduce your risk of injury and re-injury, supporting your long-term health and activity levels.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on the individual's condition and goals. Some issues resolve quickly after a few visits, while others require ongoing treatment. Karina will provide an estimated plan during your initial assessment, which will be adjusted as your recovery progresses.

Clinique Rosemont
2541, Boulevard Rosemont
Montréal, QC H1Y 1K5

Phone: (514) 668-9312

Karina Laitenberger 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.