Valerie Leduc – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Valerie Leduc is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at UNIVERSITE DE MONTREAL 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 broad spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions, including muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament injuries. Her approach encompasses everything from acute sprains and strains to the management of chronic pain, arthritis, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Valerie also offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues, aiming to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and decrease fall risk. She serves a diverse age range, including older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, ensuring personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs.

With a solid educational foundation, Valerie completed her degree in Physiotherapy, supplemented by extensive clinical experience and ongoing professional development. She is dedicated to evidence-based practices and continuously updates her skills in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation. Her commitment to excellence ensures that her treatments are both current and effective, helping her patients achieve optimal recovery and performance outcomes.

Valerie adopts a patient-centered philosophy, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. She emphasizes the importance of preventative care and long-term wellness through proactive physiotherapy strategies. Fluent in both English and French, Valerie is able to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population, ensuring clarity and comfort throughout the care process.

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

Neurological

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with MS stay active, manage symptoms effectively, maintain independence for as long as possible, and adapt to changes in their condition.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy addressing physical impairments following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or acquired brain injury (ABI), including issues with balance, coordination, strength, mobility, spasticity, endurance, and cognitive-physical integration.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.

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 Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.

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 UNIVERSITE DE MONTREAL, 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:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Valerie can help you move beyond pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard. The focus is on improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain.
• Patients struggling with pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) can find dedicated and compassionate support from Valerie. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand), using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• It's truly rewarding for Valerie to witness patients conquer a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck and experience reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in maintaining your balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails again.

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

Valerie practices at the UNIVERSITE DE MONTREAL, situated within a modern clinic in the central Montréal neighborhood. This private Maison d'enseignement facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The location is well served by local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiothérapeute.

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

Most physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ, and patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Public coverage may be available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization or through certain programs, but eligibility is limited. It is recommended to verify your specific coverage directly with RAMQ and consult your private extended health insurance plans for potential reimbursement.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapists are accessible through direct access, meaning you can see a Physiothérapeute without a physician's referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement, so it is advisable to check your insurance policy before your appointment.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at UNIVERSITE DE MONTREAL treat?

Valerie and her 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, and nerve pain. They also have specialized skills in areas like orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy and vestibular and balance rehabilitation. Their treatments often involve modalities like Therapeutic Heat Application, Therapeutic Ultrasound, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

UNIVERSITE DE MONTREAL
C.P. 6204 SUCC. CENTRE-VILLE
Montréal, QC H3C 3T4

Phone: (514) 343-6416

Valerie Leduc 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.