Sara Wight – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Sara Wight is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal/ Installation Mackay in Montréal, QC, Sara is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her approach emphasizes performance and athleticism, helping active individuals optimize their physical capabilities and recover from neurological challenges with targeted, evidence-based interventions.

Sara's role extends beyond standard physiotherapy, as she specializes in assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life following neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. She also provides specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents, addressing developmental delays, congenital conditions (like torticollis), orthopedic injuries, and neurological conditions to promote optimal motor function and participation in sports and daily activities. Her focus is on empowering her young patients to reach their full potential through tailored, proactive physiotherapy strategies.

With a background in physiotherapy and ongoing professional development, Sara has cultivated a keen expertise in Neurological Physiotherapy and Pediatric Physiotherapy. She is committed to evidence-based practices, integrating the latest research into her treatment plans to ensure effective outcomes. Fluent in English and French, Sara promotes an inclusive and accessible environment for her diverse patient population, fostering a proactive approach to long-term wellness and injury prevention.

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

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.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Helping individuals with Parkinson's Disease maintain mobility, functional independence, and safety, and improve their quality of movement and life.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy addressing physical impairments following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or acquired brain injury (ABI), including issues with balance, coordination, strength, mobility, spasticity, endurance, and cognitive-physical integration.

Common Msk

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.

Developmental

• Coordination Challenges / Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) - Supportive Physiotherapy: Marked difficulties with motor coordination that significantly interfere with a child's ability to perform daily living activities (e.g., dressing, using cutlery), achieve academically (e.g., handwriting), or participate in play and sports. These difficulties are not explained by intellectual disability or other primary neurological or sensory conditions.

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

• 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.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Baseline concussion testing (if offered by the clinic/practitioner) and evidence-based post-injury management to ensure a safe and effective recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.

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 CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal/ Installation Mackay, 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:

• Many find that dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) significantly impacts their ability to running your usual 5k route without knee pain. Sara helps patients target a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity and achieved increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints under the skilled care of Sara. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches with a new lease on life.
• Are you finding that feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be stops you from enjoying comfortably cooking and meal prepping for your family? Sara is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Sara practices at the CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal/ Installation Mackay, situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care in one place. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, allowing for easy and efficient travel from different parts of the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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, which is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider prior to your appointment to confirm their requirements. While a referral is not legally necessary to receive physiotherapy care, verifying your insurance requirements ensures smooth processing and coverage of your sessions.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. For outpatient private physiotherapy, it is recommended to verify your private insurance coverage or any provincial programs that may provide assistance for certain populations or conditions. It is important to check your individual eligibility and coverage details.

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. It is recommended to contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your specific benefits, including your annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, and whether a physician's referral is required for reimbursement. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan permits, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion, reducing your upfront costs. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing is not available, we will provide you with an official receipt to submit to your insurer for reimbursement.

CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal/ Installation Mackay
3500, Boulevard Décarie
Montréal, QC H4A 3J5

Phone: (514) 488-5552

Sara Wight 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.