About
Laura Casu is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at CIUSSS-CSIM (Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal) in Montréal, QC, Laura is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans that address the unique health needs of older adults, focusing on improving and maintaining mobility, strength, and balance. Laura’s goal is to help seniors manage age-related conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance their overall quality of life and independence through evidence-based physiotherapy interventions.
With a solid educational background and extensive clinical experience, Laura has developed a particular interest in geriatric physiotherapy. She continuously updates her skills through ongoing professional development to incorporate the latest practices and research into her care. Her expertise allows her to accurately assess complex movement patterns and tailor interventions that promote functional independence, safety, and well-being for her diverse clientele of adults and seniors.
Laura’s practice philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. She promotes preventative care and long-term wellness by encouraging proactive physiotherapy strategies that address not only current impairments but also future health risks. Fluent in English, French, and Italian, Laura communicates effectively with a diverse patient population, ensuring clear understanding and collaborative goal achievement.
Laura Casu provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Post Surgical
- Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Guidance on hip precautions (if applicable for your surgical approach), a progressive exercise program, and functional retraining after hip surgery to help you achieve your goals.
- Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.
- Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.
Neurological
- Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurological rehabilitation provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to help individuals regain independence, maximize their recovery potential, and adapt to any residual impairments following a stroke.
- Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Helping individuals with Parkinson's Disease maintain mobility, functional independence, and safety, and improve their quality of movement and life.
- Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Gentle exercises, stretching programs, and strategies to preserve strength and function, and to manage secondary complications associated with muscular dystrophies.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy support for the physical challenges of Multiple Sclerosis, focusing on maximizing mobility, safety, and participation in daily life.
Vestibular Balance
- General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
- Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
- Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Laura can assess your needs.
- Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
- Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
- Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
- 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.
- 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.
- Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Laura. 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-CSIM (Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Laura frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Struggling with the frustration of awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis)? Laura develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries. This is key to helping you get back to doing managing the physical demands of your job without constant pain with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
- Living with that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit doesn't have to be your norm. Laura applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
- Many patients have found lasting relief from sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica and achieved the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort under the skilled care of Laura. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands with a new lease on life.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Laura, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Laura practices at CIUSSS-CSIM (Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal), a central Montréal healthcare facility situated in a vibrant neighborhood easily accessible by public transit. The clinic is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it simple for patients to combine appointments with other errands. 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 provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It’s important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private health insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services.
- Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
- This varies depending on your condition and goals. After an initial comprehensive assessment, Laura will provide an estimate of the number of sessions needed. She emphasizes open communication and will regularly review your progress, adjusting your treatment plan as necessary to optimize outcomes.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiothérapeute in QC?
- Patients in Quebec can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician’s referral, which is known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It’s advisable to check your insurance policy before your first appointment.
- What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Technologue en physiothérapie in Quebec?
- A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master’s degree, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and assists in implementing treatment plans under the supervision of a Physiothérapeute or physician, focusing on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments.
- How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?
- Initial assessments usually last between 45 to 60 minutes to allow for a thorough evaluation. Follow-up sessions are generally 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs and the treatment plan designed by Laura.
CIUSSS-CSIM (Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal)
6300, Avenue de Darlington
Montréal, QC H3S 2J4
Phone: (514) 340-2746 | Website: https://ciusss-centresudmtl.gouv.qc.ca/accueil/
Laura Casu 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.