Katherine Légaré – Physiotherapist | Châteauguay, QC

Katherine Légaré is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Kinatex Sports Physio in Châteauguay, QC, Katherine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their recovery. Her approach emphasizes understanding each individual’s unique needs and tailoring treatment plans that promote healing, restore function, and enhance overall well-being.

Katherine's physiotherapy practice encompasses addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including conditions affecting muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to managing chronic pain, arthritis, and guiding patients through comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, she provides specialized assessment and treatment for pelvic health concerns affecting all genders, such as incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal issues. Her holistic approach ensures that each patient receives personalized care aimed at achieving their specific health goals.

With a solid educational background and diverse clinical experience, Katherine has developed expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. She is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices to ensure the highest standard of care. Katherine believes in fostering a collaborative and empowering relationship with her patients, promoting education, self-management, and lasting results. She is fluent in English and French, allowing her to effectively communicate and connect with a broad range of patients in the community.

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

Common Msk

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• 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.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

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

• Perineal & Pelvic Pain Rehabilitation: Individualized physiotherapy interventions for a variety of complex pelvic conditions, focusing on identifying and treating the underlying musculoskeletal and neuromuscular contributors to your pain.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Biofeedback for Pelvic Floor Muscle Retraining: Guided exercises with visual or auditory biofeedback to improve your ability to correctly activate, strengthen, coordinate, or relax your pelvic floor muscles, enhancing treatment outcomes for incontinence or pelvic pain.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (Assessment & Treatment - Internal exams where authorized/applicable and with consent): Specialized assessment and treatment by a trained Pelvic Health Physiotherapist for conditions affecting the pelvic floor muscles in men and women, such as urinary/fecal incontinence, pelvic pain (e.g., chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis-related pain, prostatitis symptoms), pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. May include internal examination with your informed consent where appropriate and authorized.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Katherine's clinic, common concerns like feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.
• Struggling with the frustration of soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise? Katherine develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort. This is key to helping you get back to doing playing in your competitive volleyball league again with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many find that trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury significantly impacts their ability to participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises. Katherine helps patients target regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Katherine's practice is located at Kinatex Sports Physio, situated in a modern clinic in the central Châteauguay neighborhood of Châteauguay. The facility is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care as part of their daily routines. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring that patients can travel comfortably without the need for private transportation. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiothérapeute will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, while a referral from a doctor is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check with their insurance provider before their appointment to confirm coverage requirements.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiothérapeute as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

What is Kinatex Sports Physio's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ in Quebec. Most patients pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered under specific circumstances. It is recommended to verify your coverage with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for potential reimbursement options.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiothérapeute can properly examine and treat the area.

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.

Kinatex Sports Physio
230, Boulevard Brisebois, local 111B
Châteauguay, QC J6K 0J6

Phone: (450) 691-8008

Katherine Légaré 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.