Rukshana Pilla Gheyara – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Rukshana Pilla Gheyara is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Dawson College in Montréal, QC, Rukshana is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Rukshana’s approach emphasizes understanding each individual’s unique needs and working collaboratively to develop tailored treatment plans that promote healing, function, and well-being. Her compassionate manner ensures patients feel supported and empowered throughout their recovery journey.

Rukshana’s physiotherapy focus encompasses 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. She also specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, aiming to help athletes of all levels—from recreational to elite—return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Her care is inclusive, serving children, adolescents, and adults alike, always prioritizing the individual’s functional goals and quality of life.

With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Rukshana has developed expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy. She completed her degree in Physiotherapy and is dedicated to evidence-based practices that ensure effective and current treatments. Her philosophy centers on a patient-centered, collaborative approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Rukshana is fluent in English and French, enabling her to connect with a diverse patient population and provide compassionate care in both languages.

Rukshana Pilla Gheyara provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

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.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• 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): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.

Sports Injury

• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): A common overuse injury in active individuals and athletes, sometimes referred to as 'runner's knee' or 'anterior knee pain', often related to biomechanical issues in how the kneecap tracks.

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

• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.

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

• Physiotherapy with Rukshana can be a transformative turning point for those affected by recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery. The shared goal is achieving being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again, paving the way for you to enjoy taking energetic, long walks with your dog every day and a more active, vibrant life.
• Are you finding that managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease stops you from enjoying operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work? Rukshana is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• If feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort is preventing you from fully enjoying standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, Rukshana 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.

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

Rukshana practices at Dawson College, situated in the central Montréal neighborhood of Montréal. Her clinic is located within a modern facility at Dawson College, a well-known educational institution that provides a welcoming environment for patients. The location is conveniently situated near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy to access complementary healthcare needs. The clinic is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring convenient transportation options for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiothérapeute can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services performed in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if it meets certain criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy usually is not. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many offer substantial physiotherapy coverage.

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, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy prior to your first appointment to confirm any specific requirements.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiothérapeute has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Dawson College
3040, Rue Sherbrooke O
Montréal, QC H3Z 1A4

Phone: (514) 931-8731

Rukshana Pilla Gheyara 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.