Martine Fraser – Physiotherapist | Montréal-Nord, QC

Martine Fraser is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Hôpital Marie-Clarac in Montréal-Nord, QC, Martine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. With a compassionate approach, she strives to support each individual’s journey toward improved mobility and overall well-being. Martine’s practice emphasizes a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plans that respect the unique needs and goals of her patients.

Martine's 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. Additionally, she manages acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-cardiac, or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Her approach involves breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, tailored exercise prescriptions, and patient education to promote optimal recovery and long-term health.

With extensive clinical experience and a commitment to ongoing professional development, Martine has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy. She serves adults and seniors, ensuring accessible, evidence-based care rooted in the latest physiotherapy practices. Fluent in both English and French, Martine is dedicated to fostering a collaborative, respectful, and supportive environment for her patients’ healing and wellness.

Martine Fraser provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• 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.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.

Cardioresp

• Bronchiectasis Management (Airway Clearance): Teaching and supervising various airway clearance techniques (ACTs) and devices (e.g., PEP devices, Acapella, Flutter, postural drainage, active cycle of breathing techniques - ACBT) to help individuals with bronchiectasis clear lung secretions effectively, reduce infection risk, and improve breathing.
• Post-Pneumonia / Respiratory Infection Recovery: A structured physiotherapy program focusing on breathing exercises, graded activity, and airway clearance (if needed) to optimize your recovery post-respiratory infection.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): Physiotherapy interventions for individuals with chronic bronchitis or emphysema, focusing on improving lung function, reducing breathlessness, and increasing ability to perform daily activities.
• Asthma Management (Exercise-Induced & General Support): Techniques and education provided by a physiotherapist for better asthma self-management, improving breathing patterns, and reducing the impact of asthma on daily life.

Long Covid

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Symptom Management: Managing a wide range of persistent or new symptoms that can occur for weeks, months, or longer after the acute COVID-19 infection, including profound fatigue, breathlessness, 'brain fog' (cognitive issues), muscle weakness, joint pain, exercise intolerance, dizziness, and POTS-like symptoms.

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

• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Specialized care for heart and lung conditions, focusing on functional improvement, symptom management, and empowering you with strategies for better respiratory and cardiac health. Also includes recovery support after pneumonia or other significant respiratory infections.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: Enhancing daily function, reducing symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, and improving the quality of life for people with ongoing lung disease through tailored exercise and education.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Martine's clinic, common concerns like dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.
• Living with needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity doesn't have to be your norm. Martine applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of keeping up with your team during our weekly soccer match.
• Are you finding that sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica stops you from enjoying managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain? Martine is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Martine practices at Hôpital Marie-Clarac, a well-equipped public healthcare facility situated in the central Montréal-Nord neighborhood of Montréal-Nord. The hospital is conveniently located near various community services, pharmacies, and public transit routes, making it accessible for most patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ typically does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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. Martine 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 benefits athletes, those with physically demanding jobs, and anyone interested in maintaining long-term musculoskeletal health and avoiding recurring pain.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, and create treatment plans. They can also perform certain restricted activities if certified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for physiotherapy services. We recommend contacting your insurer before your first appointment to understand your specific coverage, including your annual maximum, co-payments, and whether a physician's referral is necessary. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan permits, we can often bill your insurer directly, reducing your immediate out-of-pocket expenses. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment for smooth processing.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy assists you in moving effectively and comfortably, whether you're recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or improving your physical abilities. Your Physiothérapeute will assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan that includes exercises, manual therapy, and practical advice to help you achieve your health and wellness goals, enabling a more active and fulfilling life.

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, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy details before your appointment to ensure coverage and necessary documentation.

Hôpital Marie-Clarac
3530, Boulevard Gouin E
Montréal-Nord, QC H1H 1B7

Phone: (514) 321-8800

Martine Fraser 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.