Martha Milena Avenia Navas – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Martha Milena Avenia Navas is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica in Montréal, QC, Martha is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves assisting 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. Martha's approach also encompasses addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, including acute injuries like sprains and strains, chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based physiotherapy practices, Martha has developed her skills through clinical experience and continuous professional development. She has a particular interest in neurological rehabilitation and orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, enabling her to tailor treatment plans that meet each patient's unique needs. Martha's commitment to ongoing learning ensures that her patients benefit from the latest techniques and interventions, fostering recovery and wellness in her community.

Her practice philosophy emphasizes promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Montréal community through proactive physiotherapy. Martha is dedicated to empowering her patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Fluent in French and Spanish, Martha ensures effective communication and compassionate care for a diverse patient population.

Martha Milena Avenia Navas provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• 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): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

Vestibular Balance

• 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).
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.

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

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): In-home rehabilitation programs tailored to your living space and functional needs, helping you regain independence with daily activities, manage pain, and improve mobility where you live.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Martha. 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 Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Martha frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking is preventing you from fully enjoying standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, Martha offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• For those whose difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy has made maintaining your balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails seem like a distant memory, Martha's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to maintaining your balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Struggling with the frustration of frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders? Martha develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions). This is key to helping you get back to doing taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Located within the Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica in the heart of Montréal, Martha's practice offers accessible and convenient care in a central Montréal neighborhood. The facility is situated in a well-connected area, close to local community services, pharmacies, and public transit routes, making it easy for patients to reach their appointments. The clinic is wheelchair accessible, and street parking along with nearby paid lots provide convenient options for visitors, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for all.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiothérapeute will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly through a process known as 'direct access,' without requiring a physician's referral. While a referral is not legally necessary to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may request one for reimbursement purposes. It’s advisable to check your insurance policy details before your appointment to understand if a referral is needed for coverage.

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 for these services. However, if care is received within a public hospital or CLSC meeting specific criteria, it might be covered. It’s important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage details.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiothérapeute uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

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 also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

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.

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.

Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Médica
225, Rue Sherbrooke E
Montréal, QC H2X 1C9

Phone: (514) 288-8201

Martha Milena Avenia Navas 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.