Pascale Lavoie-Côté – Physiotherapist | Laval, QC

Pascale Lavoie-Côté is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CISSS de Laval (Hôpital Cité de la santé) in Laval, QC, Pascale is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach is performance-oriented, aiming to optimize recovery, enhance mobility, and restore function for active individuals. Pascale’s focus on neurological rehabilitation means she specializes in assisting patients recovering from events such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's Disease, helping them regain independence and confidence in their movements.

In addition to neurological conditions, Pascale manages acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, including COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, and post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery. Her physiotherapy interventions involve breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, tailored exercise prescriptions, and patient education to improve endurance and respiratory efficiency. Pascale’s holistic and evidence-based approach ensures that each patient receives personalized strategies to meet their unique performance and wellness goals, whether returning to sports, daily activities, or optimizing physical resilience.

With extensive clinical experience and ongoing professional development, Pascale has developed a keen interest and expertise in Neurological and Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy. She believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to empower them through education and practical self-management strategies. Pascale is fluent in French and English, allowing her to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population and ensure clear understanding and engagement throughout the rehabilitation process.

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

Long Covid

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Symptom Management: Managing a wide range of persistent or new symptoms that can occur for weeks, months, or longer after the acute COVID-19 infection, including profound fatigue, breathlessness, 'brain fog' (cognitive issues), muscle weakness, joint pain, exercise intolerance, dizziness, and POTS-like symptoms.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Management of symptoms such as pain (neuropathic pain), numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness, typically in the hands or feet, resulting from damage to peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Addressing conditions affecting nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, aiming to relieve pressure on the nerve, reduce inflammation, restore normal nerve function, and alleviate symptoms.

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.

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

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.
• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy management for individuals experiencing persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection (Long COVID), such as profound fatigue, breathlessness (dyspnea), muscle weakness, joint pain, 'brain fog' (cognitive difficulties), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) symptoms, and exercise intolerance.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.

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 CISSS de Laval (Hôpital Cité de la santé), 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:

• If trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is preventing you from fully enjoying playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids, Pascale offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Physiotherapy with Pascale can be a transformative turning point for those affected by recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee. The shared goal is achieving improved circulation and tissue healing, paving the way for you to enjoy reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches and a more active, vibrant life.
• Tired of sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica interfering with being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children? Pascale uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Pascale practices at the CISSS de Laval (Hôpital Cité de la santé), situated in the Chomedey North neighborhood of Laval. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Centropolis, a hub for entertainment and dining options, making it easy for patients to combine their appointments with leisure activities. The clinic is accessible via Société de transport de Laval (STL), providing reliable transit options for those without private transportation. 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?

In Quebec, patients can generally access physiotherapy services directly through a process known as 'direct access,' meaning a physician's referral is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute. 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 appointment to confirm whether a referral is necessary for coverage.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (such as the RAMQ card), any relevant medical documentation including a doctor's referral note if available, recent imaging reports like X-rays or MRI scans, and a list of your current medications. Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement is recommended. If you plan to use private insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer coverage for physiotherapy services, either fully or partially. It is best to contact your insurance provider before your appointment to understand your coverage limits, co-payments, and whether they require a referral. If your plan allows direct billing, our clinic can often bill your insurer directly, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Otherwise, you will need to submit receipts for reimbursement. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment.

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

In general, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Coverage may be available if the care is received within a hospital or CLSC under specific circumstances. Most patients pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance to cover these services. It is recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and review your private insurance options for coverage in private clinics.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute has completed a master's level university program, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans independently. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and assists physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, helping with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress. Both roles are essential in providing effective physiotherapy care.

CISSS de Laval (Hôpital Cité de la santé)
1755, Boulevard René-Laennec
Laval, QC H7M 3L9

Phone: (450) 975-5401

Pascale Lavoie-Côté 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.