Mary Caravias – Physiotherapist | Laval, QC

Mary Caravias is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CISSS de Laval (Hôpital Cité de la santé) in Laval, QC, Mary is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). She specializes in helping active individuals recover from injuries, improve mobility, and optimize performance through evidence-based physiotherapy practices tailored to athletes and those with performance goals. With a focus on performance enhancement, Mary strives to facilitate swift recoveries and enhance athletic function, enabling her patients to return to their peak levels of activity efficiently and safely.
Mary's approach centers on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament issues. She is experienced in managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic conditions like arthritis or ongoing pain. Her expertise extends to post-operative rehabilitation and neurological conditions, helping patients regain function and strength after events such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Mary is passionate about empowering her patients through active engagement and personalized treatment plans that emphasize recovery, performance, and injury prevention.
With a comprehensive educational background and ongoing professional development, Mary has developed a particular interest in orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and neurological physiotherapy. She completed her degree in Physiotherapy and continually updates her skills to incorporate the latest evidence-based techniques. Mary is fluent in Greek, English, and French, allowing her to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a strong commitment to continuous learning, a patient-centered approach, and active involvement of her patients in their recovery journey, all aimed at maximizing athletic potential and overall well-being.

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

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

• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Mary. 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 CISSS de Laval (Hôpital Cité de la santé), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Mary frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Mary can help you move beyond needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity. The focus is on greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) and achieved more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand) under the skilled care of Mary. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands with a new lease on life.
• Mary frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.

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

Mary's practice is located at CISSS de Laval (Hôpital Cité de la santé), situated in the Chomedey North neighborhood of Laval. This public healthcare facility is conveniently positioned near the Major North-South Commercial Corridor and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Laval (STL). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. While a referral is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may necessitate one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to clarify their specific requirements.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop treatment plans. They can perform certain advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They assist physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, helping patients with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress to the supervising professional.

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 utilize private insurance. Some coverage may apply if the care is received directly within a public hospital or CLSC meeting specific criteria. It is important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The initial appointment involves a thorough assessment, including discussion of your condition, medical history, and goals. Your Physiothérapeute will perform physical tests to evaluate movement, strength, and areas of concern. The aim is to understand your condition comprehensively to develop a personalized treatment plan. You may also receive initial manual therapy or exercises to begin your recovery.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition's severity and response to treatment. Your Physiothérapeute will provide an estimated plan after the initial assessment and re-evaluate your progress regularly to adjust the frequency as needed.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, home exercises are a vital part of your recovery. Your Physiothérapeute will teach you specific exercises tailored to your needs to reinforce treatment outcomes and promote continued progress between sessions.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some soreness after treatment is normal, but if pain intensifies or new symptoms develop, contact your Physiothérapeute promptly. They can assess your condition and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Open communication is essential for a successful recovery.

CISSS de Laval (Hôpital Cité de la santé)
1755, Boulevard René-Laennec
Laval, QC H7M 3L9

Phone: (450) 975-5401

Mary Caravias 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.