Maria Fernanda Vocos – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Maria Fernanda Vocos is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Installation Lucie-Bruneau in Montréal, QC, Maria is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes compassionate, personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs, fostering a supportive environment where clients feel empowered in their recovery journey. Maria believes in building strong therapeutic relationships based on trust, respect, and open communication, ensuring her patients feel heard and actively involved in their rehabilitation process.

Maria's physiotherapy practice encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions affecting muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Her expertise includes managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain conditions, arthritis, and post-surgical rehabilitation. She specializes in helping individuals recover function, improve mobility, and manage symptoms effectively. Additionally, Maria has a particular focus on neurological physiotherapy, assisting patients recovering from neurological events like stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease. Her holistic approach aims to enhance her patients’ overall quality of life by promoting movement and independence.

With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Maria completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained clinical experience that enriches her practice. She has developed a keen interest and advanced skills in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy, applying evidence-based techniques to optimize patient outcomes. Her philosophy centers on continuous learning, integrating the latest research into her practice to provide the most effective care. Maria is fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Italian, enabling her to connect with diverse patient populations and deliver care in multiple languages with empathy and clarity.

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

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo that is highly treatable with specific physiotherapy maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver, designed to reposition the displaced inner ear crystals.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.

Back & Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• 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.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.

Common Musculoskeletal (MSK) Conditions

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.

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

• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Specialized therapeutic interventions provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to assist individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, balance, coordination, strength, and independence following a neurological event or diagnosis.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• 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.

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 CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Installation Lucie-Bruneau, 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:

• Don't let trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip dictate what you can and cannot do. Maria offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey, helping you reclaim handling your job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending and enjoy a more functional life.
• Many individuals seek help from Maria, their physiotherapist, when feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace.
• At Maria's physiotherapy practice, individuals with a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck are guided towards feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably.

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

Maria practices at the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Installation Lucie-Bruneau, situated in a central Montreal neighborhood, within a modern healthcare facility dedicated to community health. This public hospital setting is conveniently located near local community services, pharmacies, and other essential amenities. Easily accessible by public transit routes, the clinic is designed to accommodate all patients comfortably. 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?

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. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) 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. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy coverage varies. Generally, RAMQ does not reimburse private clinic physiotherapy services. Patients may have coverage when receiving care in a hospital or CLSC setting, or through specific programs for certain populations such as seniors or low-income individuals. Most outpatient physiotherapy in private clinics is paid out-of-pocket or through private insurance. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan permits, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not available, we will provide you with an official receipt to submit to your insurer.

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 (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy details before your appointment.

What are CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Installation Lucie-Bruneau's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (514) 123-4567 or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Installation Lucie-Bruneau
2275, Avenue Laurier E
Montréal, QC H2H 2N8

Phone: (514) 527-4527

Maria Fernanda Vocos 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.