Olivier Lebel – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Olivier Lebel is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at McGill Sport Medicine Clinic in Montréal, QC, Olivier is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). His approach focuses on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional conditions, helping patients recover, improve mobility, and manage symptoms effectively. Olivier's expertise extends to post-operative rehabilitation, injury management, and chronic pain relief, serving adults and seniors with personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.

Olivier's role involves comprehensive assessments and evidence-based interventions aimed at restoring function and promoting wellness. He emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to set realistic goals and develop strategies for long-term health. His practice integrates manual therapy, therapeutic modalities, and patient education to empower individuals in their recovery journey. Olivier's ongoing professional development ensures that he stays current with the latest techniques and research in physiotherapy, providing the highest standard of care in the Montréal community.

Fluent in French and English, Olivier values clear communication and culturally sensitive care. His philosophy centers on proactive prevention, patient engagement, and fostering a supportive environment where patients feel confident in their rehabilitation process. Whether addressing sports injuries, neurological conditions, or general musculoskeletal concerns, Olivier is dedicated to helping his patients achieve optimal health and functional independence.

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

Neurological

• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Gentle exercises, stretching programs, and strategies to preserve strength and function, and to manage secondary complications associated with muscular dystrophies.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Physiotherapy interventions focusing on large-amplitude movements, rhythmic activities, and strategies to overcome movement difficulties associated with Parkinson's.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: A movement-based therapy approach, often guided by principles of motor learning and de-emphasis on presumed damage, to help individuals with FND regain voluntary control over their physical symptoms and improve confidence in their movements.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• 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.

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

• Don't let general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden dictate what you can and cannot do. Olivier offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again, helping you reclaim being able to carry your baby or toddler without straining your back or arms and enjoy a more functional life.
• For those whose clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk has made joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court seem like a distant memory, Olivier's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Patients struggling with awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) can find dedicated and compassionate support from Olivier. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes.

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

Olivier practices at McGill Sport Medicine Clinic, situated in a modern facility in the central Montréal neighborhood of Montréal. The clinic is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. It is well-served by multiple public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at McGill Sport Medicine Clinic treat?

Our Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (such as congenital muscular torticollis or plagiocephaly), joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (postural back/neck pain), and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy. Treatments often involve interventions such as electrotherapy (e.g., NMES, FES), therapeutic heat application, manual therapy, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

What is McGill Sport Medicine Clinic's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost or a set amount like $50 may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, which is 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 first visit to confirm any specific requirements.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiothérapeute to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for exercises or movements. Examples include shorts for knee or hip issues and a tank top or loose t-shirt for shoulder or neck problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is recommended. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Does McGill Sport Medicine Clinic offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, McGill Sport Medicine Clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate billing. If direct billing is not available for your plan, we will provide detailed receipts that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. Always verify your coverage and any limits directly with your insurance provider, and note that you are responsible for any portion not covered.

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 typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Some coverage may be available if the care is received 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 details.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Technologue en physiothérapie in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) in Quebec holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, create treatment plans, and perform certain restricted activities. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress but does not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

McGill Sport Medicine Clinic
475, Avenue des Pins O, # 317
Montréal, QC H2W 1S4

Phone: (514) 398-7007

Olivier Lebel 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.