Kim Laau-Laurin – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Kim Laau-Laurin is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica in Montréal, QC. Kim is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her approach emphasizes a thorough understanding of each individual's unique needs, fostering a warm and supportive environment where patients feel empowered to participate actively in their recovery process. Kim’s focus is on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, helping her patients regain function, reduce pain, and improve overall mobility. Whether dealing with acute injuries such as sprains and strains or managing chronic conditions like arthritis, Kim strives to develop personalized treatment plans that promote healing and long-term wellness.
Kim’s role extends to assisting individuals recovering from neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson’s Disease. She works with children, adolescents, and adults, tailoring her therapeutic strategies to meet the specific needs of each age group. Her expertise and compassionate approach make her a trusted provider for those seeking to restore independence and enhance quality of life through physiotherapy. Kim continually seeks to expand her skills and stay current with evidence-based practices, ensuring her patients receive the most effective and innovative treatments available.
Education and ongoing professional development are central to Kim’s practice philosophy. She completed her degree in Physiotherapy with a focus on orthopedic and neurological physiotherapy, areas in which she has developed particular interest and expertise. Kim values a holistic approach that emphasizes prevention, education, and patient empowerment. She believes in fostering a collaborative relationship with her patients, guiding them through their recovery journey with clear communication and practical strategies. Kim is fluent in both French and English, enabling her to connect effectively with Montréal’s diverse community and provide accessible, community-focused care.

Kim Laau-Laurin 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): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.
• 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): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach to help you navigate your recovery after a concussion, promoting symptom resolution and safe resumption of activities.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.

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

• The journey to better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities when faced with persistent pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard is made smoother and more effective with Kim's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes.
• Are you finding that widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia stops you from enjoying performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching your back? Kim is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• For those whose persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady has made participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises seem like a distant memory, Kim's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Kim practices at Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica, a well-equipped public healthcare facility located in the heart of Montréal. Situated in a central Montréal neighborhood, the clinic offers easy access via local public transit routes, making it convenient for patients from all around the city. The facility is in close proximity to various community services and pharmacies, providing a comprehensive healthcare experience. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica treat?

Kim's Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle/Back Pain / Sciatica), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (like Gout (management of musculoskeletal impairments)), and nerve pain. They also have specialized skills in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy. Treatments often involve Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation), Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding), and patient education to help individuals achieve their functional goals.

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, most physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. However, care received within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if it meets specific criteria. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many extended health plans offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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 are Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary depending on the practitioner and day. Please call the clinic at (514) 555-1234 or visit our website for the most current hours and practitioner availability.

Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica
225, Rue Sherbrooke E
Montréal, QC H2X 1C9

Phone: (514) 288-8201

Kim Laau-Laurin 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.