Sonia Berlangieri – Physiotherapist | Laval, QC

Sonia Berlangieri is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CISSS de Laval (Hôpital Cité de la santé) in Laval, QC, Sonia is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes understanding each patient's unique needs and fostering a supportive environment to promote recovery and well-being.

Sonia's focus is on assisting 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. She also addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, including acute injuries like sprains and strains, chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Her goal is to guide patients through their healing journey with compassion, expertise, and personalized care.

With a solid educational foundation and clinical experience, Sonia has developed a particular interest in Neurological Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. She is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices, ensuring her treatments incorporate the latest advancements in physiotherapy science. Sonia serves adults and seniors with a gentle, collaborative approach, empowering her patients to regain independence and improve their overall quality of life.

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

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

Common Msk

• 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.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• 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.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Comprehensive physiotherapy programs designed to maximize quality of life and functional abilities for individuals with conditions like stroke (CVA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, traumatic or acquired brain injury (TBI/ABI), or incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Sonia. 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 CISSS de Laval (Hôpital Cité de la santé), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Sonia frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Sonia's help, managing that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity to achieve a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.
• Patients struggling with dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash can find dedicated and compassionate support from Sonia. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved circulation and tissue healing, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours.
• Struggling with the frustration of trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury? Sonia develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio). This is key to helping you get back to doing handling your job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Sonia's practice is located at CISSS de Laval (Hôpital Cité de la santé) in the Chomedey North neighborhood of Laval. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near Station de la Concorde (Metro/exo) and is easily accessible via Société de transport de Laval (STL). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiothérapeute will work with you. They’ll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

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 use private insurance. Some coverage may be available if the care is received directly within a public hospital or CLSC under specific criteria. It’s important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CISSS de Laval (Hôpital Cité de la santé) treat?

Sonia's colleagues 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 traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, nerve pain, and conditions like stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injuries. Treatments often involve manual therapy, patient education, and personalized exercises to help you regain function and reduce discomfort.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan permits, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all relevant policy details to your appointment. If direct billing isn’t available, we will provide an official receipt for you to submit to your insurer.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It’s advisable to check your insurance policy details before your appointment to confirm if a referral is necessary for coverage.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiothérapeute to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally recommended. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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 comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on technical application, assisting in implementing treatment plans, helping patients with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress to the supervising physiotherapist.

CISSS de Laval (Hôpital Cité de la santé)
1755, Boulevard René-Laennec
Laval, QC H7M 3L9

Phone: (450) 975-5401

Sonia Berlangieri 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.