Katharina Lemay – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Katharina Lemay is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at MCGILL UNIVERSITY in Montréal, QC. Katharina is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her role involves addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and balance-related conditions, helping patients recover function, improve mobility, and manage symptoms effectively. Whether dealing with acute injuries such as sprains and strains, chronic pain conditions, or post-operative rehabilitation, Katharina’s approach is tailored to meet each individual's unique needs and goals.

She also specializes in neurological physiotherapy, assisting individuals recovering from events such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Katharina’s focus extends to helping patients of all ages—from infants and young children to adults and seniors—enhance their quality of life through evidence-based interventions. Her continuous professional development ensures she remains current with the latest physiotherapy practices, allowing her to offer comprehensive and effective treatment options.

With a strong foundation in orthopedics and neurology, Katharina emphasizes empowering her patients through education and active participation in their recovery. Her approach is collaborative, involving patients in treatment planning and goal setting to achieve lasting results. Katharina is fluent in English and French, enabling her to communicate clearly and compassionately with a diverse patient population.

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

Common Msk

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.
• 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.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• 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.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.

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

• Katharina believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If loss of strength in one of her patients' limbs after an injury is hindering their ability to maintain an upright posture while working on their computer for hours, a personalized plan focusing on improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors can make all the difference.
• Tired of trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) interfering with reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches? Katharina uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help her patients achieve a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being and regain their freedom of movement.
• At Katharina's physiotherapy practice, individuals recovering their strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery are guided towards achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach. The focus is on enabling them to participate fully and comfortably in activities they enjoy, such as working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain.

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

Katharina practices at MCGILL UNIVERSITY, situated in a well-equipped clinic in the central Montréal neighborhood of Montréal. This Maison d'enseignement (private educational environment) facility is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare support. The clinic is easily reachable via local public transit routes, ensuring accessible care for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiothérapeute will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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 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. Your Physiothérapeute will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

What are MCGILL UNIVERSITY's operating hours?

MCGILL UNIVERSITY is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with some practitioners offering Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary depending on the practitioner and day. Please call the clinic at the provided contact number or visit the clinic's website for the most current availability and scheduling options.

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 usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private extended health insurance plans, as many offer coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services through direct access, meaning no referral from a physician is required to see a Physiothérapeute. However, some private or extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy beforehand to confirm whether a referral is necessary for coverage.

MCGILL UNIVERSITY
1205, Avenue du Docteur-Penfield
Montréal, QC H3A 1B1

Phone: (514) 398-2784 | Website: https://www.mcgill.ca/spot/programs/pt

Katharina Lemay 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.