Tae-Kyu Michael Kim – Physiotherapist | Pointe-Claire, QC

Tae-Kyu Michael Kim is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Dry Needling and/or Acupuncture Focus). Practicing at CIUSSS ODIM - CLSC DU LAC-SAINT-LOUIS in Pointe-Claire, QC, Tae-Kyu is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. His approach emphasizes comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment plans that incorporate manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and innovative techniques such as dry needling (IMS) and acupuncture. Tae-Kyu aims to facilitate optimal recovery, pain relief, and improved function for his patients, focusing on the unique health needs of each individual.

Specializing in neuromusculoskeletal conditions, Tae-Kyu integrates evidence-based practices to help patients manage acute injuries, chronic pain, and age-related conditions. His clinical expertise includes addressing issues such as joint pain, muscle tension, nerve impingements, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Tae-Kyu’s holistic approach ensures that treatment plans are tailored to promote healing, restore mobility, and support overall well-being, especially for older adults seeking to maintain independence and quality of life.

Tae-Kyu completed his degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience, continually advancing his skills through ongoing professional development. He has developed a particular interest in Dry Needling and Geriatric Physiotherapy, providing specialized care for seniors to improve balance, strength, and functional mobility. His practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and health goals. Tae-Kyu is fluent in English, French, and Korean, enabling him to effectively communicate with diverse patient populations.

Tae-Kyu Michael Kim provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Geriatric

• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Supporting seniors to maintain or improve their ability to move around effectively and independently in their home and community through targeted physiotherapy.
• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Combating the effects of inactivity and the aging process to help prevent or manage frailty, maintain mobility, and improve overall autonomy and quality of life in seniors.

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Guidance on hip precautions (if applicable for your surgical approach), a progressive exercise program, and functional retraining after hip surgery to help you achieve your goals.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

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

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Dry Needling / Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS): A technique aimed at releasing muscle knots (trigger points) that can cause local or referred pain, alleviating persistent myofascial pain syndromes, and improving neuromuscular communication to restore normal muscle activity.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• 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.
• Acupuncture (Medical or Traditional): Insertion of fine, sterile needles by a certified Physiotherapist at specific acupoints on the body, based on principles of traditional Chinese medicine or medical acupuncture, to promote healing, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore balance within the body.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Tae-Kyu. 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 ODIM - CLSC DU LAC-SAINT-LOUIS, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Tae-Kyu frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many find that working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery significantly impacts their ability to resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely. Tae-Kyu helps patients target a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Tae-Kyu believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) is hindering your ability to simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions, a personalized plan focusing on enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications can make all the difference.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort and achieved enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day under the skilled care of Tae-Kyu. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as playing fetch with your dog in the park for an extended time with a new lease on life.

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

Located in the heart of Pointe-Claire, Tae-Kyu’s practice at CIUSSS ODIM - CLSC DU LAC-SAINT-LOUIS is situated in a central, accessible clinic within the Pointe-Claire neighborhood. This public healthcare facility offers convenient access for community members, with proximity to local services and pharmacies. Easily reachable via public transit routes, the clinic is committed to providing accessible care to all patients. 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, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or utilize private insurance for these services. However, physiotherapy received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered under specific circumstances. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for coverage details.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Tae-Kyu can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. Through targeted exercises, ergonomic advice, and activity modifications, physiotherapy helps reduce the risk of initial injury, re-injury, and supports long-term pain management, keeping you active and healthy.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CIUSSS ODIM - CLSC DU LAC-SAINT-LOUIS treat?

Tae-Kyu treats 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, nerve pain, and age-related conditions like osteoarthritis and balance disorders. His focus on Dry Needling and acupuncture also allows him to address specific pain syndromes and muscular dysfunctions, supporting overall mobility and quality of life.

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 process known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm any requirements.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec holds a university master’s degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans independently. They can also perform certain restricted activities with specific attestations. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying treatment modalities and guiding exercises but does not independently diagnose or create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

CIUSSS ODIM - CLSC DU LAC-SAINT-LOUIS
180, Avenue Cartier
Pointe-Claire, QC H9S 4S1

Phone: (438) 883-0605 | Website: https://www.ciusss-ouestmtl.gouv.qc.ca/

Tae-Kyu Michael Kim 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.