Maria Antonietta Mariani – Physiotherapist | Saint-Léonard, QC

Maria Antonietta Mariani is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Action Sport Physio (St-Léonard) in Saint-Léonard, QC. Maria is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her approach emphasizes comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment plans, ensuring each patient receives tailored interventions to meet their unique needs and goals.

Maria's physiotherapy practice encompasses addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and soft tissue conditions. She specializes in managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, Maria assists individuals recovering from neurological events or conditions, including stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's Disease, helping them regain function, improve mobility, and enhance their quality of life. Her compassionate approach ensures that patients of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults—are supported throughout their recovery journey.

With a solid educational background and extensive clinical experience, Maria completed her degree in Physiotherapy and continues to pursue ongoing professional development. She has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy, integrating evidence-based practices into her treatments. Maria believes in empowering her patients through clear education about their conditions and self-management strategies, fostering long-term wellness and prevention. She is fluent in English, French, and Italian, enabling effective communication with diverse patient populations.

Maria Antonietta Mariani provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).

Peripheral Nerve

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Addressing the physical consequences of nerve damage in the limbs through targeted exercises (e.g., for balance, strength, desensitization), sensory re-education, and advice on appropriate footwear or assistive devices.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

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

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Maria. 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 Action Sport Physio (St-Léonard), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Maria frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery is preventing you from fully enjoying engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours, Maria offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Patients struggling with my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night can find dedicated and compassionate support from Maria. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Maria's clinic, common concerns like soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.

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

Maria's practice is located at Action Sport Physio in the heart of Saint-Léonard, in a modern private clinic facility situated in the central neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare resources nearby. The clinic is accessible via multiple local public transit routes, ensuring ease of transportation for patients from the surrounding areas. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access 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 with your insurance provider prior to your first appointment to confirm their specific requirements.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiothérapeute can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

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

Coverage for physiotherapy under RAMQ in Quebec is limited. Generally, RAMQ does not cover outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics. Patients may be covered when receiving care through public hospital programs or CLSCs, but private clinic services are typically paid out-of-pocket or through private insurance. It is important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for coverage details.

Action Sport Physio (St-Léonard)
5995, Boulevard des Grandes-Prairies, # 302
Saint-Léonard, QC H1P 1A5

Phone: (514) 955-8525

Maria Antonietta Mariani 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.