Maja Okilj – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Maja Okilj is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CUSM - Hôpital général de Montréal in Montréal, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Maja’s approach emphasizes individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, focusing on restoring function, alleviating pain, and promoting overall wellness. Her practice is rooted in evidence-based physiotherapy techniques, ensuring that every patient receives safe, effective, and comprehensive care.
Maja’s scope of practice includes addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and balance-related conditions. She specializes in managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic conditions like arthritis and post-surgical rehabilitation. A particular area of her expertise is in vestibular and balance rehabilitation, offering specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. Her goal is to help patients regain stability, reduce fall risk, and improve their quality of life. Maja primarily serves adult patients, working closely with each individual to achieve their recovery goals efficiently and safely.
With her educational background and clinical experience, Maja is dedicated to ongoing professional development and staying current with advances in physiotherapy. She completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has developed expertise in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy as well as vestibular and balance rehabilitation. Her practice philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Maja believes in empowering her patients through education, practical self-management strategies, and promoting preventative care. She is fluent in English, French, and Serbian, facilitating clear communication with diverse patients in Montréal.

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

Common Msk

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• 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.

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): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

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.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.

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

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.

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

• If recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery is preventing you from fully enjoying handling your job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending, Maja offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• The path to recovery from trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip and achieving successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery for maintaining an upright posture while working on your computer for hours often starts with expert guidance. Maja, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Patients often come to Maja feeling defeated by my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small and resuming taking energetic, long walks with your dog every day becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Maja's practice at CUSM - Hôpital général de Montréal is situated in a convenient, central Montréal neighborhood. The clinic is housed within a public healthcare facility that is easily accessible via local public transit routes. It is located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care in one location. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy directly without a physician’s referral, a process known as direct access. However, it is important to verify with your private insurance plan, as some may require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement purposes. Always check your individual insurance policy before your appointment to understand coverage details.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness, it should not be excessively painful or intolerable. Maja will discuss expected sensations during treatments and will adjust techniques and intensity to ensure your comfort while still providing therapeutic benefits. Open communication about your comfort is very important throughout your sessions.

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

In general, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Some exceptions exist for care within public hospitals or CLSCs, depending on eligibility. It is recommended to verify your coverage directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many offer substantial physiotherapy benefits for services in private clinics.

Does CUSM - Hôpital général de Montréal offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CUSM - Hôpital général de Montréal offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing is not available for your plan, we provide detailed receipts that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. It is advisable to confirm your coverage and any limits directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary. The patient remains responsible for any portion not covered by insurance.

CUSM - Hôpital général de Montréal
1650, Avenue Cedar
Montréal, QC H3G 1A4

Phone: (514) 934-1934

Maja Okilj 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.