Polya Rankova – Physiotherapy Technologist | Joliette, QC

Polya Rankova is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CISSS de Lanaudière - Ressources Intermédiaires in Joliette, QC, Polya is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes performance optimization and athletic recovery, ensuring patients regain their strength, mobility, and confidence through tailored physiotherapy interventions. Whether assisting athletes in returning to their sport or helping active individuals prevent injuries, Polya’s focus is on empowering her patients to achieve their highest potential.

Polya's role involves assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. She has extensive experience working with active and senior patients alike, designing personalized programs that promote long-term wellness and injury prevention. Her commitment to evidence-based practice ensures that each patient receives effective, safe, and goal-oriented care tailored to their specific needs.

Polya completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has developed a strong clinical foundation with ongoing professional development. She has cultivated skills in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring, continuously enhancing her expertise to serve her patients better. Fluent in Bulgarian, English, and French, Polya fosters a welcoming environment where communication and understanding are central to successful outcomes. Her philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term health, actively involving patients in their treatment journey to achieve optimal performance and well-being.

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

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.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.

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

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Polya. 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 Lanaudière - Ressources Intermédiaires, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Polya frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Tired of my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) interfering with participating fully in your martial arts practice, including sparring? Polya uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress and regain your freedom of movement.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Polya can help you move beyond feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems. The focus is on being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as peacefully paddling your kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• The journey to returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance when faced with persistent that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder is made smoother and more effective with Polya's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like handling your job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.

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

Polya practices at the CISSS de Lanaudière - Ressources Intermédiaires, situated in a central clinic in the Joliette neighborhood of Joliette, QC. This Ressource de type intermédiaire (RI) (milieu public) facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easily accessible for patients from the region. The clinic is accessible via multiple local public transit routes, ensuring a smooth journey for those using public transportation. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiotherapy Technologist directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. While a referral is not legally required to see a Physiotherapy Technologist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapy Technologist, is a science-based profession focused on restoring movement and function affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent future injuries. Using techniques such as therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, education, and advice, Polya empowers patients to manage their health and achieve their physical goals effectively.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy encompasses a range of hands-on interventions used by Physiotherapy Technologists to reduce pain, increase joint mobility, relax tight muscles, and improve nerve function. Techniques include joint glides, sustained pressures, soft tissue massage, and joint manipulations when appropriate. These methods are integral to helping your body move better and recover faster.

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, enabling them to assess, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans independently. A Physiotherapy Technologist holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They assist in implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising physiotherapist or physician.

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 use private insurance. Some public coverage may be available if care is received within a hospital or CLSC meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

CISSS de Lanaudière - Ressources Intermédiaires
161, Rue Saint-Paul
Joliette, QC J6E 5G2

Phone: (450) 271-7235

Polya Rankova 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.