Pascale Courtois-Schirmer – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Pascale Courtois-Schirmer is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Physio Extra Ahuntsic rue Fleury in Montréal, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Pascale's approach emphasizes understanding each patient's unique needs, fostering a warm and welcoming environment where clients feel supported throughout their recovery journey.

With a focus on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, Pascale offers comprehensive assessments and personalized treatment plans. Her expertise extends to managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, Pascale provides specialized care for pelvic floor health, supporting all genders with concerns like incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre- and post-natal issues. Her dedication to holistic care ensures that each patient receives tailored interventions aimed at restoring function and enhancing well-being.

Pascale completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience, continuously advancing her skills through ongoing professional development. She has a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy revolves around a collaborative approach—working closely with patients, empowering them through education, and promoting preventative care for long-term wellness. Pascale is fluent in French and English, enabling her to effectively communicate and connect with Montréal’s diverse community.

Pascale Courtois-Schirmer provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.

Common Msk

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• 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 your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.

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): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

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

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (Assessment & Treatment - Internal exams where authorized/applicable and with consent): Comprehensive and confidential care for a range of pelvic health concerns, utilizing evidence-based techniques including specific exercises (Kegels and beyond), manual therapy, biofeedback, and education.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Pascale. 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 Physio Extra Ahuntsic rue Fleury, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Pascale frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Pascale frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like playing in your competitive volleyball league again.
• Many find that difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy significantly impacts their ability to pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty. Pascale helps patients target implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Many individuals seek help from Pascale, their physiotherapist, when an awkward gait or limping when I walk starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes.

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

Crafted in the heart of Montréal, Pascale’s practice is located at Physio Extra Ahuntsic rue Fleury, situated in a modern private clinic in the central Montréal neighborhood of Ahuntsic. The clinic’s convenient location makes it easy for patients to access quality physiotherapy care close to their homes and community services. It is easily reachable via local public transit routes, ensuring a smooth and accessible experience for all clients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiothérapeute will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

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, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral may not be legally required to receive physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm coverage requirements.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session primarily involves an in-depth assessment. Expect to discuss your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will perform various physical tests to evaluate your movement, strength, and areas of concern. The goal is to understand your condition fully, enabling the development of a tailored treatment plan. You may also receive initial hands-on care and home exercises to support your recovery.

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 education, allowing them to assess patients, diagnose conditions, and develop comprehensive treatment plans independently. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and supports physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress to the supervising professional.

How can I book an appointment at Physio Extra Ahuntsic rue Fleury?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (514) 383-8389 during business hours. Many practitioners also offer online booking through our website. Our friendly reception team is happy to assist you in finding an appointment that suits your schedule and needs.

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 usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received in public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered under specific circumstances. It’s important to verify your individual eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many offer coverage for physiotherapy in private settings.

Physio Extra Ahuntsic rue Fleury
2171, Rue Fleury E
Montréal, QC H2B 1J9

Phone: (514) 383-8389

Pascale Courtois-Schirmer 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.