Karina Villegas Yata – Physiotherapist | Lachine, QC

Karina Villegas Yata is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS ODIM - CLSC DE DORVAL-LACHINE in Lachine, QC, Karina is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Her focus is on delivering individualized care plans that address each patient's unique needs, whether they are recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or seeking to improve their overall mobility and wellness.

Karina completed her degree in Physiotherapy, and with clinical experience, she is dedicated to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. Her approach emphasizes a thorough understanding of each patient's condition, combined with current treatment techniques to optimize outcomes. She serves a diverse patient population, including many senior patients, ensuring that her care is tailored to accommodate age-related considerations and functional goals.

Her practice philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Karina is committed to evidence-based practice and continuous learning, ensuring her patients benefit from the latest physiotherapy advancements. She adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Karina is fluent in English, Spanish, and French, allowing her to communicate effectively with a diverse range of patients and provide culturally sensitive care.

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

Back Neck Pain

• 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).
• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

Common Msk

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• 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.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• 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.

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

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• 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: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.

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 CIUSSS ODIM - CLSC DE DORVAL-LACHINE, 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:

• When an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around your neighborhood for fresh air, physiotherapy with Karina can help you work towards the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Rediscover your ability to simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions without the constant burden of trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain. Karina focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders and achieved better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms under the skilled care of Karina. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids with a new lease on life.

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

Karina practices at CIUSSS ODIM - CLSC DE DORVAL-LACHINE, situated in the central Lachine neighborhood of Lachine, QC. This public healthcare facility offers accessible, community-oriented care in a convenient location near local services and pharmacies. Easily reachable via public transit routes, the clinic is committed to serving the community with ease of access. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In Quebec, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC, if meeting their eligibility criteria, might be covered. It is important to verify eligibility for any public coverage directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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

It is recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For example, shorts for knee issues or sleeveless tops for shoulder problems help facilitate effective assessment and treatment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions used by Physiothérapeutes to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, relax tight muscles, and enhance nerve mobility. Techniques include joint glides, soft tissue massage, sustained pressures, and joint manipulations when appropriate. It plays a vital role in restoring movement and alleviating discomfort.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for physiotherapy services. It is recommended to contact your insurer before your first appointment to understand your coverage details, including annual maximums, co-payments, and whether a referral is needed. We can often bill your insurance directly if your plan allows, or provide receipts for reimbursement. Please bring your insurance card and policy information to your appointment.

CIUSSS ODIM - CLSC DE DORVAL-LACHINE
3320, Rue Notre-Dame
Lachine, QC H8T 1W8

Phone: (514) 639-0063

Karina Villegas Yata 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.