Marie-Hélène Guihard – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Marie-Hélène Guihard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Installation Lucie-Bruneau in Montréal, QC, Marie-Hélène is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes understanding each patient's unique needs, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages active participation in their recovery journey. Marie-Hélène believes in empowering her patients with knowledge and practical strategies to manage their conditions effectively, promoting long-term wellness and resilience.

Her 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. Marie-Hélène also provides specialized assessment and treatment for conditions related to the pelvic floor and surrounding region for all genders. Her expertise extends to issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal concerns, ensuring a holistic approach to her patients' health.

With a solid educational background and extensive clinical experience, Marie-Hélène has developed skills and a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. She is committed to ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices to ensure her patients receive the best possible care. Fluent in French, Marie-Hélène is passionate about serving the Montréal community through proactive, compassionate, and personalized physiotherapy services.

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

Arthritis

• 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.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• 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.

Pregnancy Postpartum

• C-Section Scar Management and Abdominal Recovery: Physiotherapy techniques to improve the mobility, appearance, and sensation of a Caesarean section (C-section) scar, reduce associated pain, adhesions, or restrictions, and facilitate abdominal muscle recovery and core function.
• Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Muscle Separation) Assessment & Rehabilitation: Guidance on safe and effective exercises for abdominal wall recovery after pregnancy, addressing diastasis recti and improving overall core integrity.
• Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) / Low Back Pain / Sciatica: Supporting a more comfortable pregnancy journey by addressing musculoskeletal issues such as PGP, back pain, or nerve compression symptoms with tailored physiotherapy.

Common Msk

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.

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

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Marie-Hélène. 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. Marie-Hélène frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many find that that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away significantly impacts their ability to maintaining your balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails. Marie-Hélène helps patients target effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Struggling with the frustration of facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy)? Marie-Hélène develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements. This is key to helping you get back to doing standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many individuals seek help from Marie-Hélène, their physiotherapist, when dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like managing your personal care routines independently.

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

Marie-Hélène practices at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Installation Lucie-Bruneau, situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access. The clinic is well-connected via multiple public transit routes, ensuring accessible and seamless transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

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 allows it, 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 possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can 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, while a referral is not legally required to *see* a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your specific insurance policy before your appointment to confirm their requirements.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Coverage may be available if you receive care directly within a public hospital or CLSC under specific circumstances. Most outpatient physiotherapy in private settings is paid out-of-pocket or covered through private insurance. It is recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and review your private insurance plans for coverage options.

Does CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Installation Lucie-Bruneau offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, our clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Please bring your insurance card and policy details. While we handle billing directly, it remains your responsibility to confirm your coverage limits, deductibles, and any restrictions with your insurer to ensure smooth reimbursement.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your treatment goals, your body's response to therapy, and your adherence to home exercises. Marie-Hélène will discuss a treatment plan after your initial assessment and will continually monitor your progress to adjust the number of sessions accordingly.

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 and is an autonomous healthcare professional authorized to assess, diagnose, and treat patients independently. They can establish treatment plans and perform certain restricted activities. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress but cannot independently diagnose or create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

Phone: (514) 527-4527

Marie-Hélène Guihard 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.