Marie-Claude Poulin – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Marie-Claude Poulin is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CIUSSS-CSIM (Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal) in Montréal, QC. She 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). With a focus on performance and athletic rehabilitation, Marie-Claude specializes in providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions. Her approach aims to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain effectively, and enhance their overall quality of life, whether they are athletes, active individuals, or those recovering from injury.

Marie-Claude completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience that fuels her ongoing commitment to professional development. She stays current with evidence-based practices, integrating the latest techniques and research into her treatment plans. Her philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to develop personalized strategies that align with their specific goals. Her emphasis on education empowers patients to understand their conditions and adopt practical self-management strategies for lasting results.

Fluent in both English and French, Marie-Claude fosters clear communication and a supportive environment. Her dedication to excellence and her passion for helping individuals achieve peak performance make her a trusted provider for those seeking physiotherapy care rooted in evidence, professionalism, and a goal-oriented mindset.

Marie-Claude Poulin provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Common athletic injuries affecting major muscle groups such as the hamstrings, calves, groin (adductors), quadriceps, or rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Stretching or tearing of ligaments (the strong, fibrous bands that connect bones to each other at joints) due to sudden force, twisting, overstretching, or impact. Common in sports involving jumping, cutting, pivoting, or collisions. Examples include ACL/MCL tears in the knee or common ankle sprains.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee that often starts gradually and worsens with continued activity, sometimes radiating up the thigh or down the leg.

Joint Pain

• 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).
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• 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.
• 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.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

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

• 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Marie-Claude. 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-CSIM (Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marie-Claude frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Tired of feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move interfering with managing your personal care routines independently? Marie-Claude uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance and regain your freedom of movement.
• It's truly rewarding for Marie-Claude to witness patients conquer my child walking on their toes most of the time and experience enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain again.
• For those whose feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older has made safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace seem like a distant memory, Marie-Claude's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Marie-Claude practices at CIUSSS-CSIM (Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal), situated in the heart of Montréal. The clinic is conveniently located in a central Montréal neighborhood, making it accessible for patients from across the city. As a public healthcare facility, it is well-connected via multiple public transit routes, ensuring easy access for those relying on buses or metro services. The clinic is situated near various community services and pharmacies, providing a comprehensive support environment for patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CIUSSS-CSIM (Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal) treat?

Our Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries like low back pain (acute or chronic), and nerve pain. They also address specific conditions like Trigger Finger/Thumb and provide specialized care in areas such as pelvic health. Treatments often involve modalities like Therapeutic Ultrasound Application, manual therapy, and patient education to help individuals achieve their functional goals.

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, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They support patient care by implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising physiotherapist or physician.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., RAMQ card), any relevant medical information such as a doctor’s referral note, recent imaging reports (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound), and a list of current medications. If you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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 use private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private/extended health insurance plans for coverage options.

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, as part of direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy's requirements before your appointment.

What is CIUSSS-CSIM (Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal)'s appointment cancellation policy?

We understand schedules can change unexpectedly. To accommodate all patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or no-shows without sufficient notice may incur a fee, such as 50% of the service cost. Please contact the clinic as soon as possible if changes are needed.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are an essential part of your rehabilitation, empowering you to actively participate in your recovery. Your Physiothérapeute will teach you exercises tailored to your condition, helping to reinforce in-clinic work, manage your condition, and maintain progress between sessions.

CIUSSS-CSIM (Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal)
6300, Avenue de Darlington
Montréal, QC H3S 2J4

Phone: (514) 340-2085 | Website: https://ciusss-centresudmtl.gouv.qc.ca/accueil/

Marie-Claude Poulin 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.