Nancy Descoteaux – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Nancy Descoteaux is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Pediatric Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Hôpital Shriners pour enfants du Canada in Montréal, QC, Nancy is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her approach is rooted in providing compassionate, tailored physiotherapy services that meet the unique needs of each child, fostering a supportive and welcoming environment for families and young patients. Nancy believes in empowering parents and caregivers with knowledge and strategies to support their child's development and recovery, emphasizing a collaborative and community-focused approach.

With a focus on pediatric care, Nancy specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of infants, children, and adolescents facing developmental delays, congenital conditions such as torticollis, orthopedic injuries, and neurological challenges. She is passionate about helping young patients achieve their optimal motor function and participation in daily activities, sports, and play. Additionally, Nancy has developed expertise in managing athletic injuries, ensuring that young athletes can safely return to their favorite sports, improve performance, and prevent future issues. Her dedicated, evidence-based approach ensures that each child receives comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.

Nancy completed her degree in Physiotherapy with ongoing professional development in pediatric and sports physiotherapy. She stays current with the latest research and techniques to provide the most effective interventions. Her practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach — working closely with families, schools, and other healthcare providers to support the child's overall well-being and long-term health. Fluent in both English and French, Nancy strives to create an inclusive, community-oriented environment where every child feels valued and supported in their journey toward better health.

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

Developmental

• Coordination Challenges / Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) - Supportive Physiotherapy: Marked difficulties with motor coordination that significantly interfere with a child's ability to perform daily living activities (e.g., dressing, using cutlery), achieve academically (e.g., handwriting), or participate in play and sports. These difficulties are not explained by intellectual disability or other primary neurological or sensory conditions.

Common Msk

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Pain felt around, under, or behind the kneecap (patella), often described as a dull ache aggravated by activities like running, jumping, squatting, using stairs (especially going down), or prolonged sitting with the knee bent.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): A common cause of lateral knee pain in athletes, often linked to training errors, muscle imbalances (e.g., weak hip abductors), or poor biomechanics, which physiotherapy aims to address.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Dull or aching pain in the front or inner part of the shin that can become sharp with activity, often felt during or after exercise.

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

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy to address persistent concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, and difficulty concentrating or tolerating activity.
• Orthopedic Bracing & Support Consultation/Fitting: Providing customized or appropriately sized bracing solutions to protect injured areas, limit harmful movements, reduce pain, and support your return to function or sport.
• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription (if offered/certified): Prescription, casting or 3D scanning, and fitting of custom orthotics designed to correct biomechanical faults, provide support, improve shock absorption, and address foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back pain related to your foot posture and function.
• Therapeutic & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid): Taping strategies implemented by your Physiotherapist to aid in injury management, provide stability during activity, offload sensitive tissues, and promote optimal biomechanics.
• 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.
• 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 Nancy. 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 Shriners pour enfants du Canada, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Nancy frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter without the constant burden of managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease. Nancy focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Nancy believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk is hindering your ability to operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work, a personalized plan focusing on moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years can make all the difference.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Nancy's clinic, common concerns like soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.

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

Nancy practices at the Hôpital Shriners pour enfants du Canada, located in the heart of Montréal. The clinic is situated in a central Montréal neighborhood, making it convenient for families and children to access high-quality pediatric physiotherapy services. The facility is part of a well-established public healthcare institution, with close proximity to various community services and pharmacies, ensuring comprehensive support for your child's health needs. The clinic's location is easily reachable via local public transit routes, facilitating accessible transportation options for families. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiothérapeute would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly through a process called 'direct access', meaning a physician's referral is not legally required to see a physiothérapeute. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It’s advisable to check your specific insurance policy before your appointment to understand coverage requirements.

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

In general, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance to cover these services. Publicly funded physiotherapy may be available through hospitals or CLSCs under specific conditions, but private outpatient physiotherapy is typically not covered. Always verify your eligibility and coverage with RAMQ and your insurance provider.

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 program, enabling them to assess, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments, assisting physiotherapists and implementing prescribed interventions. Both play vital roles in patient care, with physiotherapists handling assessments and diagnosis, and technologists supporting treatment delivery.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, physiotherapy is highly effective in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiothérapeute can identify risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, or postural issues. Through targeted exercises, education, and activity modifications, physiotherapy helps reduce the likelihood of initial injuries, re-injuries, and chronic conditions, supporting long-term health and activity levels.

Hôpital Shriners pour enfants du Canada
1003, Boulevard Décarie
Montréal, QC H4A 3J1

Phone: (514) 282-8551

Nancy Descoteaux 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.