Venezia Ficara – Physiotherapist | Laval, QC

Venezia Ficara is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at the CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation in Laval, QC. Venezia 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). With a compassionate approach, Venezia focuses on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions, ensuring each patient receives tailored treatment plans that promote optimal recovery and well-being.

Venezia's expertise encompasses management of acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic conditions like arthritis, back and neck pain, and post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, Venezia specializes in managing conditions affecting the heart and lungs, including COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-cardiac or respiratory surgery, and post-COVID symptoms. Her approach includes breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, individualized exercise prescriptions, and patient education to empower clients in their recovery journey. Venezia serves a diverse population of adults and seniors, emphasizing a holistic and community-oriented approach to health.

With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Venezia has cultivated skills in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy. She believes in fostering a collaborative relationship with her patients, emphasizing education about their conditions and self-management strategies for lasting results. Venezia is fluent in English, French, and Italian, allowing her to communicate effectively with a diverse community of patients and provide culturally sensitive care.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• 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.

Cardioresp

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): Helping you breathe easier, do more with less shortness of breath, and better manage your COPD through a personalized physiotherapy plan.
• Asthma Management (Exercise-Induced & General Support): Techniques and education provided by a physiotherapist for better asthma self-management, improving breathing patterns, and reducing the impact of asthma on daily life.

Back & Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).

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

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Physiotherapy to improve your breathing efficiency, manage symptoms of lung disease, clear your airways more effectively, and increase your cardiovascular fitness and activity tolerance.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: Enhancing daily function, reducing symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, and improving the quality of life for people with ongoing lung disease through tailored exercise and education.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Venezia. 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 CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Venezia frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Venezia believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be is hindering your ability to simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions, a personalized plan focusing on increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints can make all the difference.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Venezia can help you move beyond general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden. The focus is on waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably.
• Many individuals seek help from Venezia, their physiotherapist, when my child walking on their toes most of the time starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like handling your job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.

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

Venezia practices at the CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation, situated in the Chomedey East neighborhood of Laval. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Gare Sainte-Rose and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Laval (STL). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

If you experience a significant increase in pain, new neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness, or if soreness persists beyond 48 hours, contact Venezia at the clinic or your healthcare provider directly. Mild temporary soreness is common, but any severe or worsening symptoms should be evaluated promptly to adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and improve function. Some techniques may cause mild discomfort temporarily, but your physiothérapeute will work within your tolerance and communicate clearly about what to expect. Inform your therapist if you experience significant pain during treatment so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Physiotherapy Technologist in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans autonomously. A Physiotherapy Technologist holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiothérapeute or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but not diagnosing or independently planning care. Both 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?

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a referral, known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a physician's referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to verify your insurance policy details before your first appointment.

CISSS de Laval - Hôpital Juif de réadaptation
3205, Place Alton-Goldbloom
Laval, QC H7V 1R2

Phone: (450) 688-9550

Venezia Ficara 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.