Sara-Maude Lacasse – Physiotherapist | Saint-Sauveur, QC

Sara-Maude Lacasse is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Altitude Physio Ostéo in Saint-Sauveur, QC, Sara-Maude is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes compassionate listening and personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique needs, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered in their recovery journey.

Her 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. Sara-Maude also assists individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Her goal is to restore independence and confidence, helping patients regain control over their health and daily activities.

With a strong foundation in her education and clinical experience, Sara-Maude completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has cultivated expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. She is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices, ensuring her patients receive the most current, effective treatments. Fluent in both French and English, Sara-Maude fosters clear communication and a warm, empathetic connection with her diverse patient community.

Sara-Maude Lacasse provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• 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.
• 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: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.

Neurological

• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Helping individuals with muscular dystrophies and myopathies adapt to changes in their physical abilities and maintain their participation in meaningful activities through tailored physiotherapy.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Physiotherapy aimed at maximizing functional independence, mobility (e.g., transfers, wheelchair skills, ambulation if appropriate), strength, range of motion, and managing secondary complications (e.g., pain, spasticity, respiratory issues) for individuals with incomplete or specific types of spinal cord injuries. Often part of a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: May include specific facial exercises, neuromuscular re-education (PNF for the face), biofeedback, electrical stimulation (if appropriate), massage, and strategies to improve facial movement, symmetry, reduce synkinesis (unwanted movements), and manage eye care.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

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

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach to help you navigate your recovery after a concussion, promoting symptom resolution and safe resumption of activities.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Specialized therapeutic interventions provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to assist individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, balance, coordination, strength, and independence following a neurological event or diagnosis.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.

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

• The path to recovery from my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) and achieving increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings for handling your job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending often starts with expert guidance. Sara-Maude, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Rediscover your ability to participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises without the constant burden of aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk. Sara-Maude focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• At Sara-Maude's physiotherapy practice, individuals with post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery are guided towards better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back.

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

Located in the heart of Saint-Sauveur's vibrant community, Sara-Maude's practice at Altitude Physio Ostéo is situated in a welcoming clinic in the central Saint-Sauveur neighborhood. This private facility is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is well-connected by public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for all visitors. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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).

How can I book an appointment at Altitude Physio Ostéo?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (514) 919-2584 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website at www.altitudephysio.ca. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

In Quebec, most physiotherapy services offered in private clinics are not directly covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance plans. Certain services provided within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if specific criteria are met. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider to understand your coverage options.

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

Patients in Quebec can generally see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider before your appointment.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and improve function. Some assessment techniques or treatments, such as deep tissue work or joint mobilizations, might cause mild, temporary discomfort. Your Physiothérapeute will always work within your tolerance levels, clearly communicate what to expect, and encourage your feedback. If you experience significant or lasting pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

Altitude Physio Ostéo
175, Chemin Jean-Adam, # 104
Saint-Sauveur, QC J0R 1R6

Phone: (514) 919-2584

Sara-Maude Lacasse 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.