Sarah Mailhot – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Sarah Mailhot is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Hôpital général juif / Jewish General Hospital in Montréal, QC, Sarah 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 and personalized treatment plans, ensuring each patient receives care tailored to their specific needs and goals. Sarah’s clinical expertise spans a broad spectrum of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, allowing her to address complex cases with evidence-based interventions.

Sarah's role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life following neurological events such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injury. She also addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, including acute injuries like sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain management, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. Her compassionate, goal-oriented approach fosters a supportive environment for patients of all ages, particularly adults and seniors, to regain independence and confidence in their daily activities.

With a solid foundation in physiotherapy, Sarah completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that underscores her commitment to ongoing professional development. She has developed particular expertise in neurological physiotherapy and musculoskeletal care, ensuring her practices are grounded in the latest research and techniques. Sarah’s practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through education, collaboration, and a holistic approach to health, helping them achieve sustainable improvements and optimal well-being.

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

Neurological

• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Movement therapy designed by a Neuro Physiotherapist to address common Parkinson's symptoms like bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity (stiffness), postural instability (balance problems), freezing of gait, and tremors.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Comprehensive physiotherapy focusing on improving strength in available muscles, enhancing functional mobility, and promoting health and wellness after a spinal cord injury.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Personalized exercise programs, hands-on therapy, and functional retraining for post-stroke recovery, addressing issues like hemiparesis, spasticity, or neglect.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.

Common Msk

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.

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

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for concussion recovery, including initial assessment of symptoms (headache, dizziness, etc.), management of associated neck pain or dysfunction, vestibular and oculomotor (eye movement) rehabilitation, and guided, gradual return-to-learn, work, and sport protocols.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Receiving personalized physiotherapy care online through secure and interactive video sessions with your qualified Physiotherapist, including real-time exercise correction and tailored advice.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Sarah. 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 Hôpital général juif / Jewish General Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Sarah frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Struggling with the frustration of feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older? Sarah develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls. This is key to helping you get back to doing playing your musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many individuals seek help from Sarah, their physiotherapist, when facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like returning to a specific physical hobby you had to give up due to pain.
• Sarah frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.

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

Sarah practices at the Hôpital général juif / Jewish General Hospital, situated in the vibrant central Montréal neighborhood. This well-established public healthcare facility offers excellent accessibility and is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies. Easily reachable via multiple public transit routes, the hospital provides a reliable and accessible environment for patients. 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 Physiothérapeute in QC?

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

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It’s difficult to determine the exact number of sessions required without a comprehensive assessment, as each individual’s condition and recovery trajectory are unique. Some acute issues may resolve in just a few sessions, whereas chronic or complex conditions might need longer-term care. Your Physiothérapeute will provide an estimated treatment plan after your initial assessment, which will be adjusted as your progress continues.

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 degree in physiotherapy, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans independently. They may perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and primarily assists physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, applying modalities, and supporting patient exercises while reporting back to the supervising professional.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private insurance plans offer coverage for physiotherapy services, either fully or partially. It is recommended to contact your insurer before your first appointment to understand your specific coverage, including annual limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and whether direct billing is available. If direct billing is permitted, our clinic can often bill your insurer directly, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment for smooth processing.

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. Coverage may be available for physiotherapy received within public hospitals or CLSCs under specific eligibility criteria. Most outpatient private physiotherapy services require patients to pay out-of-pocket or claim reimbursement through private insurance. It is recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and review your private insurance plan for coverage options.

Hôpital général juif / Jewish General Hospital
3755, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC H3T 1E2

Phone: (514) 413-1242 | Website: https://www.jgh.ca/

Sarah Mailhot 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.