Lora Bracci – Physiotherapist | Laval, QC

Lora Bracci is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Groupe Santé Optimum in Laval, QC, Lora is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her approach emphasizes understanding each individual's unique needs and tailoring treatment plans to promote optimal recovery, improved mobility, and enhanced quality of life.

Lora's physiotherapy focus encompasses 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 assists individuals in recovering function, managing symptoms, and improving their well-being after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Her goal is to support her patients in returning to their daily activities with confidence and comfort.

With a solid educational background and clinical experience, Lora has developed a special interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. She is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices to ensure her patients receive the most current and effective care. Fluent in English, French, and Italian, Lora is able to communicate effectively with a diverse range of patients, fostering a warm, welcoming, and community-focused environment.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.

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

• 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: Baseline concussion testing (if offered by the clinic/practitioner) and evidence-based post-injury management to ensure a safe and effective recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.

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

• Many find that tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot significantly impacts their ability to participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf. Lora helps patients target developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Tired of numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs interfering with returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun? Lora uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being and regain your freedom of movement.
• With Lora's help, managing breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity to achieve feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again.

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

Located within Groupe Santé Optimum in the Laval neighborhood of Laval, Lora's practice is situated in a reputable physiotherapy clinic that is easy to access. The clinic is conveniently near Gare Vimont and is well connected via the Société de transport de Laval (STL) bus services. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 rely on private insurance plans. However, some public coverage may be available in specific situations, such as within certain hospital or CLSC settings, but private clinic services are typically not included. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage details.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial appointment with Lora involves a comprehensive assessment. She will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and concerns, and identify your goals. A thorough physical examination will follow, assessing your range of motion, strength, posture, and movement patterns. Based on her findings, Lora will provide a diagnosis or clinical impression, discuss a personalized treatment plan, and often initiate some treatment or provide educational guidance and exercises for home practice.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some techniques may cause mild discomfort or a temporary increase in soreness, physiotherapy should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Lora will always communicate with you about sensations experienced during treatment and will adjust techniques and intensity to ensure your comfort while promoting healing. Your feedback is important to tailor each session to your needs.

Does Groupe Santé Optimum offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Groupe Santé Optimum offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and Blue Cross. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate the process. If direct billing is not available for your plan, Lora provides official receipts that you can submit yourself for reimbursement. Always confirm your coverage and any applicable limits directly with your insurer, and be aware that you are responsible for any remaining balance not covered by your insurance.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician’s referral, thanks to the practice of direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy beforehand to confirm whether a referral is necessary for coverage.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, diagnose conditions, and develop treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and focuses on implementing treatment plans designed by physiotherapists or physicians, assisting with exercises, modalities, and reporting progress to the supervising professional.

Groupe Santé Optimum
1500, Rue Montgolfier, # 400
Laval, QC H7T 0A2

Phone: (450) 497-1500

Lora Bracci 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.