Marisa Christie Marino – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Marisa Christie Marino is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal in Montréal, QC, Marisa 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, ensuring compassionate support throughout their recovery journey. Marisa believes in empowering her patients by providing education and tailored interventions that promote independence and confidence.

With a specialized focus on neurological rehabilitation, Marisa assists individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. She also provides expert physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents, addressing developmental delays, congenital conditions like torticollis, orthopedic injuries, and neurological conditions. Her work with young children (0-5 years) aims to support optimal motor development and participation, helping children achieve their developmental milestones in a nurturing environment.

Marisa completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience, demonstrating a strong commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. She has developed particular expertise in Neurological Physiotherapy and Pediatric Physiotherapy, continually expanding her skills to provide the best possible care. Her practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Marisa is fluent in English and French, ensuring effective communication with a diverse range of patients and families.

Marisa Christie Marino provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): An overuse injury resulting from repetitive friction of the IT band over the lateral femoral epicondyle (at the knee) or greater trochanter (at the hip).
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Knee discomfort frequently experienced by runners, cyclists, and those involved in activities with repetitive knee bending, which physiotherapy can effectively manage through exercise and biomechanical correction.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

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

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Marisa. 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 de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marisa frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment and achieved a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence under the skilled care of Marisa. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely with a new lease on life.
• Patients struggling with feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems can find dedicated and compassionate support from Marisa. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as playing in your competitive volleyball league again.
• When one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing playing your musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods, physiotherapy with Marisa can help you work towards greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Marisa practices at CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, situated within a central Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care as part of their routine health management. The clinic is well-served by public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for most patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

Is there parking available at or near CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Metered street parking is generally available on nearby streets, and there is also a paid public parkade located one block east of our clinic. Our clinic has a small number of dedicated parking spots at the rear of the building, accessible via the alley. Always check signs for any restrictions or time limits.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master’s level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures with additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) focused on technical application, assisting physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, helping with exercises, and reporting progress.

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, 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 before your first appointment.

How can I book an appointment at CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (514) 269-5642 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer online booking through our website. Our friendly reception team will assist you in finding a suitable appointment with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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 typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care received in public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered under specific circumstances. It is important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal
9503, Rue Sherbrooke E
Montréal, QC H1L 6P2

Phone: (514) 269-5642

Marisa Christie Marino 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.