Taylor Mcwhirter – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Taylor Mcwhirter is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Pediatric Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at CSSS CAVENDISH in Montréal, QC, Taylor is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Taylor specializes in 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. With a focus on early intervention and holistic care, Taylor aims to help young patients achieve their developmental milestones and improve their quality of life.

Taylor’s approach emphasizes personalized assessment, tailored treatment plans, and evidence-based interventions to support each child's unique needs. Whether working on motor skill development, managing congenital or acquired conditions, or facilitating recovery from injuries, Taylor collaborates closely with families, caregivers, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive support. Additionally, Taylor has a particular interest in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, helping young athletes of all levels—from recreational to competitive—return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries.

Taylor completed their degree in Physiotherapy and is committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring that interventions are current, effective, and aligned with the latest research. With clinical experience in pediatric and sports physiotherapy, Taylor has developed a compassionate, patient-centered philosophy that involves active participation from children and their families. Fluent in both French and English, Taylor communicates effectively with diverse populations, fostering a welcoming environment for all patients and their families.

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

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): A common cause of lateral knee pain in athletes, often linked to training errors, muscle imbalances (e.g., weak hip abductors), or poor biomechanics, which physiotherapy aims to address.
• 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): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.

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.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Supportive physiotherapy care designed to enhance quality of life, manage the physical challenges of various muscle diseases, and promote independence for as long as possible.

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

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• 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: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Taylor. 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 CSSS CAVENDISH, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Taylor frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease? Taylor works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as they get older, and achieved feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement under the skilled care of Taylor. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing, with a new lease on life.
• If feeling like joints are just 'wearing out' and becoming harder to move is preventing you from fully enjoying recreational activities like volleyball, Taylor offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a noticeable improvement in gait and walking efficiency, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Taylor practices at CSSS CAVENDISH, situated in a central Montréal neighborhood, providing accessible healthcare within a convenient public healthcare facility. The clinic is located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The facility is well-served by local public transit routes, ensuring patients can reach their appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiothérapeute will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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).

Does CSSS CAVENDISH offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CSSS CAVENDISH offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. It is recommended to confirm your coverage with your insurer prior to your visit as coverage varies and some plans may require pre-authorization or specific documentation.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiothérapeute can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiothérapeute will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Certain services received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

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 or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy before your first appointment to confirm any specific requirements.

CSSS CAVENDISH
6484, Avenue de Monkland
Montréal, QC H4B 1H3

Phone: (514) 484-7878

Taylor Mcwhirter 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.