Teresa Rassenti – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Teresa Rassenti is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Clinique Altermed in Montréal, QC, Teresa is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach is rooted in compassion and a genuine desire to support her patients through personalized physiotherapy plans that address their unique needs and goals.

With a focus on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, Teresa's expertise encompasses everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, tailoring her care to help athletes of all levels—from recreational participants to elite competitors—return safely to their sport, optimize performance, and prevent future issues. Her compassionate approach ensures her patients feel supported and empowered throughout their recovery journey.

Teresa completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience, demonstrating her commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. She has developed particular interest and skills in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Sports Physiotherapy. She believes in promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Montréal community through proactive physiotherapy, always prioritizing her patients’ safety and well-being. Teresa is fluent in both English and French, facilitating effective communication and personalized care for a diverse patient population.

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Pain felt around, under, or behind the kneecap (patella), often described as a dull ache that is aggravated by activities like running, jumping, squatting, using stairs (especially going down), or prolonged sitting with the knee bent.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Dull or aching pain in the front or inner part of the shin that can become sharp with activity, often felt during or after exercise.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.

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

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Therapeutic & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid): Utilizing different taping methods, chosen by your therapist based on your specific needs, to assist with pain relief, support injured areas, reduce swelling, or improve proprioceptive feedback.
• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• 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 Teresa. 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 Clinique Altermed, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Teresa frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Teresa can help you move beyond recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee. The focus is on a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.
• Teresa frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like playing a full game of recreational hockey with your friends.
• Teresa believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement is hindering your ability to playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids, a personalized plan focusing on better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities can make all the difference.

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

Teresa practices at Clinique Altermed, situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located within a well-established medical building close to local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare resources. Easily reachable via multiple public transit routes, the clinic is designed to accommodate patients with varying mobility needs. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It’s difficult to say exactly how many sessions you’ll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone’s situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiothérapeute will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

It’s helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

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. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic services usually are not. It’s advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many offer coverage for physiotherapy services.

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, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It’s recommended to check your insurance policy details before your first appointment.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute holds a university master’s degree and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, create and modify treatment plans, and carry out a broad range of therapeutic interventions. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiothérapeute or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or independently plan treatment. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated and permits movement during exercises. Shorts are suitable for leg or knee issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for upper body concerns. Athletic wear or gym attire is recommended, and a gown may be provided if necessary.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and improve function. Some treatments may cause mild temporary discomfort, especially if tissues are inflamed or stiff, but your Physiothérapeute will work within your tolerance, communicate clearly, and adjust treatment if needed. If you experience significant pain, please inform your therapist immediately.

Clinique Altermed
4890, Avenue de Mayfair
Montréal, QC H4V 2E7

Phone: (514) 664-3233

Teresa Rassenti 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.