Marie-Hélene Paquin – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Marie-Hélene Paquin is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Université de Montréal / Physiothérapie - Réadaptation in Montréal, QC, Marie-Hélene is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes empowering patients through education, active participation, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique needs and goals. With a focus on optimizing movement and function, Marie-Hélene strives to help her patients regain confidence in their bodies and achieve their performance objectives.

Marie-Hélene's physiotherapy practice specializes in 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. She has particular expertise in assessing, preventing, and rehabilitating athletic injuries, ensuring that athletes of all levels—from recreational enthusiasts to elite competitors—return to their sport safely, enhance their performance, and prevent future setbacks. Her care is tailored to serve children, adolescents, and adults, making her a versatile resource for a diverse patient population.

With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Marie-Hélene completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has cultivated extensive clinical experience. She has developed special skills and interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Fluent in both English and French, Marie-Hélene adopts a collaborative, respectful approach that fosters trust and encourages active engagement in the recovery process.

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

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): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.

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

• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Specialized and progressive physiotherapy care for athletes of all levels, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, sport-specific exercise, and safe, timely return-to-sport protocols.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Gait Analysis & Running/Walking Re-training: Evaluation of how you walk or run, with tailored advice from your Physiotherapist on footwear, technique modifications, and exercises to improve your form and prevent injury.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Marie-Hélene. 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 Université de Montréal / Physiothérapie - Réadaptation, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marie-Hélene frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Tired of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work interfering with participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises? Marie-Hélene uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence and regain your freedom of movement.
• When aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips, physiotherapy with Marie-Hélene can help you work towards a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• The path to recovery from needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity and achieving running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form for returning to a specific physical hobby you had to give up due to pain often starts with expert guidance. Marie-Hélene, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Marie-Hélene practices at Université de Montréal / Physiothérapie - Réadaptation, a well-equipped clinic situated in the central Montréal neighborhood of Montréal. The facility is housed within a Maison d'enseignement (private educational environment) that offers a welcoming and professional setting for all patients. Conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, the clinic is easily accessible via multiple public transit routes, making it simple for patients to reach their appointments. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered directly by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance plans. However, certain public programs or hospital-based services may cover physiotherapy under specific conditions. It is recommended to verify eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your extended health insurance provider for coverage details.

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 records or imaging reports, a list of current medications, and your insurance information if applicable. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement and assessment, and arrive prepared to discuss your health history and goals.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a referral, known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your appointment.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and improve function. Some discomfort during treatment may occur, especially with certain techniques or sensitive tissues. Your Physiothérapeute will always work within your tolerance and communicate clearly about expected sensations. If you experience significant pain, inform your therapist immediately to adjust the treatment plan.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and develop treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma and works under supervision, applying treatment modalities prescribed by a physiotherapist or physician. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

The initial appointment usually lasts about an hour, allowing for comprehensive assessment and goal setting. Follow-up sessions typically range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs and treatment plan.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first appointment involves a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, and functional goals, followed by a physical assessment including movement, strength, and posture evaluation. Your Physiothérapeute will then provide a diagnosis, explain the treatment plan, and often begin initial interventions or exercises.

Université de Montréal / Physiothérapie - Réadaptation
Succursale Centre-Ville, C.P. 6128
Montréal, QC H3C 3J7

Phone: (514) 343-6416

Marie-Hélene Paquin 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.