About
Sarah Wilhelmy is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Pediatric Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at CHU Sainte-Justine in Montréal, QC, Sarah is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves providing specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents to address developmental delays, congenital conditions such as torticollis, orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and to promote optimal motor function and participation. Additionally, Sarah manages acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, including COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Her approach involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education to empower her young patients and their families.
Sarah serves children of all ages, from infants to 17 years old, tailoring her interventions to meet each child's unique developmental and health needs. Her compassionate approach ensures that every child feels supported and motivated throughout their rehabilitation journey. She recognizes the importance of family involvement and community engagement in fostering long-term wellness and functional independence.
Having completed her degree in Physiotherapy, Sarah has accumulated valuable clinical experience and remains committed to ongoing professional development. She has developed particular expertise in Pediatric Physiotherapy and Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy, ensuring her practice is grounded in the latest evidence-based techniques. Sarah’s practice philosophy emphasizes a strong commitment to evidence-based practice, continuous learning, and proactive care, promoting long-term health and wellness for her community. She is fluent in French and English, facilitating clear and caring communication with her diverse patient population.
Sarah Wilhelmy provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Sports Injury
- Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Acute pain, swelling, bruising, localized tenderness, and weakness in a muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or throwing.
- Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Localized bone pain that typically worsens with activity and is relieved by rest, often accompanied by tenderness to touch over the affected bone.
Common Msk
- Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
- Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
- Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.
- Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
Joint Pain
- Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
- Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Sarah can assess your needs.
- Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
- 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.
- Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
- Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
- Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
- Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
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 CHU Sainte-Justine, 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:
- For those whose a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck has made enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again seem like a distant memory, Sarah's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio). Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
- Physiotherapy with Sarah can be a transformative turning point for those affected by needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity. The shared goal is achieving decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues, paving the way for you to enjoy participating in community events and social gatherings more actively and a more active, vibrant life.
- When an awkward gait or limping when I walk is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting, physiotherapy with Sarah can help you work towards more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand). The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Sarah, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Sarah practices at CHU Sainte-Justine, situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located within a public healthcare facility, making it easily accessible for families and individuals in the community. The location is close to various local community services and pharmacies, ensuring comprehensive support for your health journey. Accessible via multiple public transit routes, the clinic is designed to accommodate all patients, with wheelchair accessibility and free patient parking typically available on-site or nearby.
- 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).
- What are CHU Sainte-Justine's operating hours?
- Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (514) 345-6789 or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.
- Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- In Quebec, physiotherapy coverage through RAMQ is limited to specific cases, such as post-hospitalization or certain low-income populations. Most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by RAMQ. Patients are encouraged to check with their private insurance plans for coverage options.
- What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?
- Physiotherapy is a science-based healthcare profession focused on restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving overall function. Delivered by qualified Physiothérapeutes like Sarah, it involves therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, education, and personalized treatment plans to help you recover from injury or manage chronic conditions.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiothérapeute in QC?
- In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy before your first appointment.
CHU Sainte-Justine
3175, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC H3T 1C4
Phone: (514) 345-4931
Sarah Wilhelmy 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.