Vanessa Gangai – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Vanessa Gangai is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Dawson College in Montréal, QC, Vanessa is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her approach emphasizes a thorough understanding of each patient's unique needs, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to promote optimal recovery and long-term well-being.

Vanessa's physiotherapy focus centers on addressing the specific health concerns of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, and balance. She specializes in managing age-related conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and post-surgical recoveries, with the overarching goal of reducing fall risk and enhancing independence. Serving a diverse range of patients, Vanessa strives to empower her clients through education and active participation in their rehabilitation journey, fostering improved quality of life.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Vanessa continuously updates her skills through professional development courses and clinical research. Her comprehensive approach combines manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and patient education to achieve the best possible outcomes. Fluent in English and French, Vanessa ensures clear communication and personalized care for her diverse patient population.

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

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).
• 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): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.
• 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.

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).

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

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: A holistic and active approach to managing long-standing pain, empowering you with tools and knowledge for better daily living, increased activity tolerance, and improved mood.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Vanessa to witness patients conquer recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in their shoulder or knee and experience getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf again.
• When an awkward gait or limping when walking is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes, physiotherapy with Vanessa can help you work towards achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• If your infant has a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly), preventing you from fully enjoying sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play, Vanessa offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Vanessa practices at Dawson College, situated in the central Montréal neighborhood of Montréal, within a dedicated clinic space in this well-known Maison d'enseignement (public institution). The location is conveniently positioned near local community services, pharmacies, and other essential amenities. Accessible via multiple public transit routes, the clinic offers ease of access for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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).

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

Patients in Quebec can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy details before your first appointment to understand any specific requirements.

How can I book an appointment at Dawson College?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (514) 931-8731 during business hours. Many practitioners also offer online booking via the clinic’s website. The friendly reception team will assist you in scheduling a convenient appointment with the appropriate physiotherapist based on your needs.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It is difficult to determine the exact number of sessions without an initial assessment, as individual recovery varies. Some conditions may resolve quickly in a few sessions, while others require longer-term care. Your physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment plan after your first visit, which will be adjusted as your progress is monitored.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Coverage may be available for certain services provided through public hospitals or CLSCs under specific conditions, but outpatient private physiotherapy typically requires payment out-of-pocket or private insurance. It’s recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

Dawson College
3040, Rue Sherbrooke O
Montréal, QC H3Z 1A4

Phone: (514) 931-8731

Vanessa Gangai 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.