Paivi Lofman-Abdellaoui – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Paivi Lofman-Abdellaoui is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Hôpital général juif / Jewish General Hospital in Montréal, QC, Paivi is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in 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. Paivi’s approach is holistic and tailored to each individual, ensuring that her patients receive personalized treatment plans designed to promote healing, restore function, and prevent future issues.

With a focus on athletic injuries, Paivi excels in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of sports-related conditions. She serves adult patients with the goal of helping them return to their daily activities, sports, and hobbies with confidence and reduced pain. Her care emphasizes education, empowering patients with the knowledge and self-management strategies necessary for long-term wellness. Whether dealing with persistent pain or recovering from surgery, Paivi's compassionate approach ensures her patients feel supported every step of the way.

Paivi completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that fuels her ongoing commitment to professional growth. She stays current with evidence-based practices and has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Sports Physiotherapy. Fluent in German, English, Finnish, French, and Swedish, Paivi values clear communication and strives to create a welcoming environment where all patients feel understood and cared for.

Paivi Lofman-Abdellaoui provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• 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.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.

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

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• 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 Paivi. 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 général juif / Jewish General Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Paivi frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury? Paivi works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as being able to carry your baby or toddler without straining your back or arms.
• For those whose that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away has made managing the physical demands of your job without constant pain seem like a distant memory, Paivi's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to managing the physical demands of your job without constant pain with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Living with pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) doesn't have to be your norm. Paivi applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.

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

Paivi practices at the Jewish General Hospital, situated in the central Montréal neighborhood of Montréal. This reputable public healthcare facility is conveniently located near accessible community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access their care. The hospital is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring that patients can reach their appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiothérapeute will work with you. They’ll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

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.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician’s referral, a process known as 'direct access.' However, it’s important to verify with your private insurance provider, as some plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Always check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

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

In general, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance for these services. Some coverage may be available for physiotherapy provided directly within a public hospital or CLSC, but most outpatient private physiotherapy is not covered. It’s advisable to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

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 it, 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 policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not available, we will provide an official receipt for you to submit to your insurer.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiothérapeute will conduct a detailed evaluation to understand your condition fully. This includes discussing your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, your medical history, and your personal goals. A physical assessment will then be performed to identify the cause of your concern and evaluate your physical capabilities. The therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a plan of care. You may also receive initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery.

Hôpital général juif / Jewish General Hospital
3755, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC H3T 1E2

Phone: (514) 340-8238

Paivi Lofman-Abdellaoui 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.