Monica Mesa – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Monica Mesa is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal in Montréal, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Monica’s approach emphasizes a performance-oriented and athletic-focused philosophy, ensuring her patients achieve optimal function, strength, and mobility tailored to their active lifestyles and sporting goals.

Specializing in addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, Monica assists individuals recovering from injuries such as sprains, strains, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Her expertise extends to managing chronic pain, arthritis, and complex post-operative cases. Additionally, Monica plays a vital role in neurological rehabilitation, supporting patients in recovering function, improving mobility, and managing symptoms following neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson’s Disease. Her services are designed to serve older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, fostering an environment of active recovery and long-term wellness.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Monica completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has cultivated skills and interests in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. She believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to achieve their movement and functional goals, while promoting preventative care and empowering them through education and practical self-management strategies. Monica is fluent in Spanish and French, ensuring effective communication with diverse patient populations.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.

Neurological

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy support for the physical challenges of Multiple Sclerosis, focusing on maximizing mobility, safety, and participation in daily life.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises and techniques provided by a Physiotherapist to manage symptoms of facial palsy and support optimal recovery of facial muscle control.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Helping individuals with muscular dystrophies and myopathies adapt to changes in their physical abilities and maintain their participation in meaningful activities through tailored physiotherapy.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Specialized physiotherapy exercises and movement strategies (e.g., LSVT BIG® principles, amplitude-based training, cueing techniques) to improve balance, gait (walking), posture, flexibility, coordination, and overall motor function in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for concussion recovery, including initial assessment of symptoms (headache, dizziness, etc.), management of associated neck pain or dysfunction, vestibular and oculomotor (eye movement) rehabilitation, and guided, gradual return-to-learn, work, and sport protocols.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Monica. 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. Monica frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from Monica, their physiotherapist, when persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.
• Are you finding that swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment stops you from enjoying standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event? Monica is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy and achieved restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks under the skilled care of Monica. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain with a new lease on life.

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

Monica practices at the CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. The clinic is housed within a public sector facility that offers accessible care close to local community services and pharmacies. Easily reachable via multiple public transit routes, the location ensures convenience for patients traveling from various parts of the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the entrance, making it easy for patients to attend their appointments with minimal hassle.

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

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Monica or your healthcare provider directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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, while a referral is not legally required to begin physiotherapy, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CIUSSS de l'Île-de-Montréal treat?

Monica's physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, vestibular conditions like dizziness, and nerve pain. They also address complex conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injuries, utilizing therapies such as Core Stability & Strengthening Training, Neurological Rehabilitation, and patient education to help you reach your functional goals.

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 an autonomous healthcare professional authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises within an established plan. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

What are CIUSSS de l'Île-de-Montréal's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with some practitioners offering Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary depending on the practitioner and day. Please contact the clinic at (phone number) or check our website for current hours and appointment availability.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your initial visit, Monica will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. A physical assessment will follow to identify the root cause of your condition and gauge your physical capabilities. She will then explain her findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a plan of care. You may receive initial exercises, advice, or hands-on treatments to begin your recovery process.

Is physiotherapy covered by RAMQ in Quebec?

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Some care received in hospital or CLSC settings may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider to understand your coverage options.

CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal
8655, Boulevard Perras
Montréal, QC H1E 4M7

Phone: (514) 318-6712 | Website: www.ciusss-estmtl.gouv.qc.ca

Monica Mesa 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.