Valerie D’amours – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Valerie D'amours is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal) in Montréal, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Valerie specializes in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. Her approach encompasses everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Valerie takes a holistic view, focusing on each patient's unique health needs to help them regain mobility, strength, and independence.

In addition to her broad expertise, Valerie has a particular interest in caring for older adults. She strives to improve and maintain their mobility, balance, and overall quality of life while managing age-related conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Her goal is to reduce fall risk and promote functional independence, ensuring her older patients can continue engaging in daily activities with confidence. Valerie’s compassionate approach and community-focused philosophy make her a trusted resource for adults and seniors seeking personalized physiotherapy care in Montréal.

Valerie completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience, which she continuously enhances through ongoing professional development. She emphasizes evidence-based practices, staying current with the latest advancements in her field. Her particular skills and interests include Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health. Valerie’s practice philosophy centers on empowering her patients through education, practical self-management strategies, and a collaborative, patient-centered approach. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and French, enabling her to connect effectively with the diverse Montréal community.

Valerie D'amours provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.

Neurological

• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises and techniques provided by a Physiotherapist to manage symptoms of facial palsy and support optimal recovery of facial muscle control.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Physiotherapy interventions focusing on large-amplitude movements, rhythmic activities, and strategies to overcome movement difficulties associated with Parkinson's.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Specialized neurorehabilitation programs designed by a Physiotherapist to improve physical function, optimize movement potential, and enhance quality of life for individuals living with an SCI.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

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

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Valerie. 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 CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Valerie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side? Valerie works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• Struggling with the frustration of trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? Valerie develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities. This is key to helping you get back to doing dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Valerie's clinic, common concerns like experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.

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

Valerie practices at the CHUM in the heart of Montréal, situated within a modern clinic in the central Montréal neighborhood. The facility is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare in one accessible location. The clinic is well-connected by public transit routes, ensuring patients can reach their appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, and free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby, providing added convenience for those coming by car.

Is there parking available at or near CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal)?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

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

Patients in Quebec 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 specific insurance policy before your appointment.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CHUM treat?

Our Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, muscle strains, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, nerve pain, and conditions affecting older adults like osteoporosis or balance issues. Treatments often involve manual therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and exercise prescription to help restore function and reduce pain.

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

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ, and patients pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care in public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It's recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment sessions usually last between 45 to 60 minutes to allow for a thorough evaluation. Follow-up treatments are typically shorter, around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs and the treatment plan.

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

Please bring your health card, any relevant medical reports or imaging results, a list of current medications, and your insurance information for direct billing. Wearing comfortable clothing can also facilitate your assessment and treatment.

CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal)
1000, Rue Saint-Denis
Montréal, QC H2X 0C1

Phone: (514) 890-8301

Valerie D'amours 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.