Olivia Ripa

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy management of acute and persistent symptoms of a concussion, including addressing associated neck pain/dysfunction (cervicogenic component), vestibular (balance/dizziness) issues, oculomotor (eye movement) problems, and exertional intolerance.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Olivia 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.
• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• 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: 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.

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

• Many find that that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away significantly impacts their ability to maintaining an upright posture while working on your computer for hours. Olivia helps patients target improved circulation and tissue healing with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Patients often come to Olivia feeling defeated by post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines and resuming reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Many individuals seek help from Olivia, their physiotherapist, when that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like getting on and off the floor with ease.

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

Olivia practices at Kinatex West Island, a private physiotherapy clinic situated in the heart of the central Kirkland neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located within a modern, accessible facility that is close to local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access their care. The clinic is well-connected via public transit routes, ensuring easy access from surrounding areas. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 practice known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to receive physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can occur after physiotherapy, similar to after exercise. If your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort persists beyond a few days, please contact Olivia. Open communication allows her to adjust your treatment plan and ensure a safe recovery.

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, diagnose, and create treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college-level diploma and works under supervision, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or independently establish treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Some coverage may be available if the care is provided within a public hospital or CLSC under specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

Does Kinatex West Island offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Kinatex West Island offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. We recommend confirming your coverage with your insurer beforehand, including any limits or deductibles, as plans vary. You are responsible for any portion not covered.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To ensure your initial visit is as smooth as possible, please bring your health card, any relevant referral or medical reports, details of prior imaging tests (X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds), a list of current medications, and your private insurance information for direct billing. Wearing comfortable clothes is also recommended.

Kinatex West Island
17001, Route Trans-Canada, bureau 201
Kirkland, QC H9H 0A7

Phone: (514) 426-1000

Olivia Ripa 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.