Nathalie Desilets – Physiotherapist | Sainte-Catherine, QC

Nathalie Desilets is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Santé Physio à domicile inc.- Sainte-Catherine in Sainte-Catherine, QC, Nathalie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her focus is on 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. Nathalie also specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, always tailoring her approach to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries.

With a solid educational foundation, Nathalie completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that underpins her practice. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Nathalie has developed skills and a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy, allowing her to provide specialized care for a variety of conditions. Her approach combines the latest research with practical techniques to ensure her patients receive effective and personalized treatment plans.

Nathalie’s practice philosophy is rooted in a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Nathalie promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Sainte-Catherine community through proactive physiotherapy. She is fluent in English and French, ensuring clear communication and understanding with her diverse patient population.

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

Arthritis

• 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.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• 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.

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Guidance on hip precautions (if applicable for your surgical approach), a progressive exercise program, and functional retraining after hip surgery to help you achieve your goals.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.
• 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.

Sports Injury

• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Common athletic injuries affecting major muscle groups such as the hamstrings, calves, groin (adductors), quadriceps, or rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue (periosteum) around the tibia, which requires rest, activity modification, and specific physiotherapy interventions for recovery.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.
• 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.

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

• Sports Performance Enhancement & Injury Prevention: Strategies and training programs to fine-tune your physical capabilities, improve sport-specific skills, and ensure you are well-prepared for the demands of your sport.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Comprehensive rehabilitation programs designed by a sports physiotherapist to address the specific demands of your sport, facilitate a full recovery from athletic injuries, and prevent recurrence.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Gait Analysis & Running/Walking Re-training: Detailed biomechanical assessment of your walking or running patterns, often using video analysis, to identify inefficiencies, asymmetries, or faulty mechanics that may contribute to pain or injury.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Nathalie. 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 Santé Physio à domicile inc.- Sainte-Catherine, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Nathalie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain without the constant burden of widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia. Nathalie focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Nathalie's clinic, common concerns like recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Nathalie can help you move beyond frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders. The focus is on getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.

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

Santé Physio à domicile inc.- Sainte-Catherine is situated in the central Sainte-Catherine neighborhood of Sainte-Catherine, QC. The clinic is housed within a private practice facility that offers personalized home care and outpatient services. Conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, it is easily accessible via public transit routes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

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.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. 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 insurance plan for coverage options.

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 permits, 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.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at Santé Physio à domicile inc.- Sainte-Catherine treat?

Nathalie treats 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 like muscle strains or stress fractures, and nerve pain. She has expertise in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy as well as sports physiotherapy. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education geared towards helping you achieve your functional goals.

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. 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.

Santé Physio à domicile inc.- Sainte-Catherine
500, Rue des Lilas
Sainte-Catherine, QC J5C 1P1

Phone: (450) 521-2147

Nathalie Desilets 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.