Laurence Simoneau – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Laurence Simoneau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CH Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci) in Montréal, QC, Laurence is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes a performance and athletic-oriented philosophy, focusing on optimizing physical function, enhancing strength, and preventing injury. Laurence’s practice integrates evidence-based techniques tailored to the active lifestyles of her patients, whether they are athletes, weekend warriors, or individuals seeking to improve their overall mobility and resilience.

Laurence's role involves addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She also specializes in focusing on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, and balance, while managing age-related conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Her goal is to help her patients reduce fall risks and enhance their overall quality of life and independence through targeted physiotherapy interventions.

Laurence Simoneau completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated extensive clinical experience in musculoskeletal and geriatric physiotherapy. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development and adheres to the latest evidence-based practices. Laurence has developed a particular interest and expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Geriatric Physiotherapy, ensuring her patients receive specialized and effective care. Fluent in both English and French, Laurence strives to empower her patients through education, practical strategies, and proactive care plans designed for long-term wellness.

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

Neurological

• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: May include specific facial exercises, neuromuscular re-education (PNF for the face), biofeedback, electrical stimulation (if appropriate), massage, and strategies to improve facial movement, symmetry, reduce synkinesis (unwanted movements), and manage eye care.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Tailored rehabilitation programs focusing on restoring physical abilities, managing secondary complications, and improving quality of life for individuals post-TBI or ABI.

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Restoring spinal function, core stability, and body mechanics post-operatively, ensuring a safe progression back to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.

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

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Laurence. 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 du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CH Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Laurence frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to being able to carry your baby or toddler without straining your back or arms without the constant burden of feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort. Laurence focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Many individuals seek help from Laurence, their physiotherapist, when difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like enduring your daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness.
• When pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions, physiotherapy with Laurence can help you work towards understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Laurence practices at the CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CH Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci), situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. The clinic is housed within a public healthcare facility that is easily accessible via various public transit routes, making it convenient for patients to attend their appointments. The location is surrounded by local community services and pharmacies, providing a comprehensive health support environment. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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, while a referral is not legally required to *see* a physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advised to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, create and modify treatment plans, and carry out a broad range of interventions. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises without independently diagnosing or creating treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

What are CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CH Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci)'s operating hours?

The clinic 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 contact the clinic directly at the provided number or visit the website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ, and patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Some coverage may be available through public hospital services or CLSCs under specific circumstances. It is recommended to verify your individual eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage options.

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

It is recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and easy access to the body part being assessed or treated. For example, shorts for knee issues, a sleeveless or loose top for shoulder problems. The goal is to facilitate effective assessment and treatment.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

Patients should bring their health insurance card, any referral letters, relevant medical reports or images (X-rays, MRIs), and insurance information if applicable. Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for movement will also help ensure a smooth and effective assessment.

CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal (CH Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci)
555, Boulevard Gouin O
Montréal, QC H3L 1K5

Phone: (514) 668-0083

Laurence Simoneau 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.