Pia Paoli – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Pia Paoli is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Installation Lucie-Bruneau in Montréal, QC, Pia is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes thorough assessment, personalized treatment plans, and empowering patients through education to promote optimal recovery and long-term health benefits.

With a focus on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, Pia’s physiotherapy services encompass everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She also specializes in assisting individuals recovering from neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease, helping them regain function, improve mobility, and enhance their quality of life.

Pia completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience, fostering a commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. She has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy, allowing her to tailor treatments effectively. Her practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear communication, collaborative goal-setting, and continuous learning, ensuring the delivery of the highest standard of care. Pia is fluent in Arabic, English, and French.

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

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo that is highly treatable with specific physiotherapy maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver, designed to reposition the displaced inner ear crystals.
• 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): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.

Peripheral Nerve

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Symptoms such as localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by mechanical compression or irritation of peripheral nerves at specific anatomical sites (entrapment points).
• 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).

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

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy to address persistent concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, and difficulty concentrating or tolerating activity.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• 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.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Pia. 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 CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Installation Lucie-Bruneau, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Pia frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities when faced with persistent hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side is made smoother and more effective with Pia's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like being able to carry your baby or toddler without straining your back or arms.
• It's truly rewarding for Pia to witness patients conquer feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort and experience improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises again.
• Are you finding that numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs stops you from enjoying carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably? Pia is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Pia practices at the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Installation Lucie-Bruneau, situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies and is accessible via multiple public transit routes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What are CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Installation Lucie-Bruneau's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (514) 872-XXXX or check our website for the most current hours and practitioner availability.

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.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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 (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to verify your insurance policy details before your first appointment.

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 your plan's specifics. Key points include your annual maximum, per-visit limits, whether a referral is required, and if direct billing is available. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan permits, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. Otherwise, you will need to pay upfront and submit receipts for reimbursement.

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 for services within public hospitals or CLSCs under specific conditions. It is recommended to check your eligibility with RAMQ and review your private insurance plan for coverage options.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal treat?

Our physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, nerve pain, and balance disorders. We also offer specialized services for concussion management, stretching and flexibility programs, and patient education tailored to your specific needs.

CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Installation Lucie-Bruneau
2275, Avenue Laurier E
Montréal, QC H2H 2N8

Phone: (514) 527-4527

Pia Paoli 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.