Sara Nollet – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Sara Nollet is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Dawson College in Montréal, QC, Sara is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes a thorough assessment of each individual's unique needs, enabling her to develop tailored treatment plans that promote recovery, enhance mobility, and support long-term wellness. Sara’s focus extends beyond immediate injury management, aiming to empower patients through education and active participation in their rehabilitation process.

Sara's physiotherapy practice 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. Specializing in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, she provides care tailored to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Her holistic approach ensures that every patient receives personalized attention to achieve optimal functional outcomes.

With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Sara completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has cultivated skills and interests in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Sports Physiotherapy. Her clinical experience has strengthened her ability to manage complex cases, always guided by evidence-based practices. Sara is dedicated to promoting preventative care and long-term health, fostering a proactive approach to physiotherapy that benefits the Montréal community. She is fluent in English and French, ensuring clear communication with her diverse patient base.

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

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy management of acute and persistent symptoms of a concussion, including addressing associated neck pain/dysfunction (cervicogenic component), vestibular (balance/dizziness) issues, oculomotor (eye movement) problems, and exertional intolerance.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Pain felt around, under, or behind the kneecap (patella), often described as a dull ache that is aggravated by activities like running, jumping, squatting, using stairs (especially going down), or prolonged sitting with the knee bent.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Damage to muscle tissue that can range from minor micro-tears to more significant partial or complete tears, impacting strength, power, and range of motion.

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

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Sara. 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. Sara frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients struggling with tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot can find dedicated and compassionate support from Sara. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as driving for longer periods without neck or back pain.
• Sara frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.
• Struggling with the frustration of an awkward gait or limping when I walk? Sara develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas. This is key to helping you get back to doing participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Sara practices at Dawson College, situated in the central Montréal neighborhood of Montréal. Her clinic is located within a dedicated space at Dawson College, a well-known educational institution offering a welcoming environment for patients. The clinic's location is easily accessible, being near local community services and pharmacies, making it convenient for patients to combine their physiotherapy visits with other errands. The site is well-connected via multiple public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for everyone. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 rely on private insurance for coverage. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if specific criteria are met. It is important for patients to verify their eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult their private extended health insurance plans, which often offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy in private clinics.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access 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 advisable to check the requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and improve function. While some assessment techniques or treatments like soft tissue work or joint mobilization may cause mild, temporary discomfort, Sara always works within your tolerance levels. If you experience significant or lasting pain during treatment, please inform her immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at Dawson College treat?

Sara's physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries including ligament sprains and muscle strains, and nerve-related pain. Their treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) and plays a vital role in implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress to the supervising physiotherapist or physician.

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

Phone: (514) 882-1066

Sara Nollet 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.