Zaira Liliana Mendez Agudelo – Physiotherapist | Châteauguay, QC

Zaira Liliana Mendez Agudelo is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Pediatric Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at CISSSMO - CLSC Châteauguay in Châteauguay, QC, Zaira is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves providing specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents to address developmental delays, congenital conditions such as torticollis, orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and to promote optimal motor function and participation. Zaira’s gentle, compassionate approach ensures that her young patients and their families feel supported, informed, and actively involved in their care journey.

With a solid educational background and clinical experience, Zaira completed her degree in Physiotherapy. She continuously seeks professional development opportunities to stay current with evidence-based practices, especially within pediatric physiotherapy. Her particular interest lies in helping children reach their developmental milestones, recover from injuries, and improve their quality of life through tailored therapeutic interventions. Zaira’s dedication to her field and her patients reflects her passion for fostering healthy growth and active participation among her young clients.

Her practice philosophy revolves around a collaborative, patient-centered approach, working closely with families and caregivers to develop personalized treatment plans that prioritize safety, comfort, and realistic goals. Zaira values ongoing learning and adapts her techniques to incorporate the latest research and clinical guidelines. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and French, enabling her to communicate effectively with a diverse community and ensure comprehensive understanding and comfort for her patients and their families.

Zaira Liliana Mendez Agudelo provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.
• 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.

Pediatric

• Toe Walking (Idiopathic / Habitual): Addressing habitual toe walking in children when other neurological or orthopedic causes have been ruled out by a medical professional.
• Congenital Muscular Torticollis / Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome): Physiotherapy treatment for infant neck tightness (torticollis) and associated flat head syndrome, involving gentle stretching exercises, specific handling and positioning advice for parents/caregivers, and strategies to encourage symmetrical movement.
• Pediatric Sports Injuries & Growing Pains (e.g., Osgood-Schlatter, Sever's Disease): Managing growth-related pain conditions (often termed 'growing pains' by parents, or specific apophysitis like Osgood-Schlatter/Sever's) and activity-induced injuries in young athletes through appropriate advice, load management, and therapeutic exercise.
• Developmental Delays (Gross Motor Skills): Physiotherapy support and intervention for infants and children with delayed physical development to help them achieve their motor potential through play-based activities and targeted exercises.

Neurological

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Comprehensive physiotherapy focusing on improving strength in available muscles, enhancing functional mobility, and promoting health and wellness after a spinal cord injury.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Physiotherapy aimed at maintaining optimal function, managing contractures (joint stiffness), optimizing mobility (including prescription of mobility aids), adapting activities, and managing respiratory function (if applicable) for individuals with progressive muscle weakness due to muscular dystrophy or other myopathies.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: A movement-based therapy approach, often guided by principles of motor learning and de-emphasis on presumed damage, to help individuals with FND regain voluntary control over their physical symptoms and improve confidence in their movements.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy aimed at improving mobility (e.g., walking, transfers), balance, strength, coordination, sensation, and daily function (e.g., dressing, self-care) after a stroke (cerebrovascular accident).

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

• Gait Analysis & Running/Walking Re-training: Helping you move better and reduce injury risk by analyzing and correcting your walking or running technique, addressing issues like overpronation, hip drop, or poor cadence.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• 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.
• Sports Performance Enhancement & Injury Prevention: Movement analysis, strength and conditioning advice, and targeted exercises designed by your Physiotherapist to enhance your athletic performance, improve biomechanics, optimize movement efficiency, and reduce your risk of sports-related injuries.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Comprehensive rehabilitation programs designed by a sports physiotherapist to address the specific demands of your sport, facilitate a full recovery from athletic injuries, and prevent recurrence.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.

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

• For those whose feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older has made reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches seem like a distant memory, Zaira's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Many find that general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden significantly impacts their ability to participate fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring. Zaira helps patients target a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• The journey to enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day when faced with persistent pain or weakness that’s stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies is made smoother and more effective with Zaira's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.

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

Zaira practices at CISSSMO - CLSC Châteauguay, situated in a central location within the Châteauguay neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently positioned near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is well connected via local public transit routes, ensuring easy travel for families and individuals. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Zaira's practice offers direct billing and your plan permits it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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 typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance for these services. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy usually is not. It is important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions varies depending on the individual's condition, severity, and personal goals. Factors such as the nature of the issue, duration, body response, and adherence to home programs influence the total sessions required. Zaira will discuss an estimated plan after your initial assessment and will continuously monitor progress to adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

How can I book an appointment at CISSSMO - CLSC Châteauguay?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (450) 699-3333 during business hours. Many practitioners also offer online booking via the clinic's website. The friendly reception team will assist you in scheduling an appointment at a convenient time with the appropriate physiotherapist for your needs.

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

A Physiothérapeute has completed a master's level university education, enabling them to assess patients, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures with additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC), focusing on the technical implementation of treatments, assisting physiotherapists, and reporting progress. Both play vital roles in patient care.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a doctor's referral (known as direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy beforehand to ensure coverage.

What are CISSSMO - CLSC Châteauguay's operating hours?

CISSSMO - CLSC Châteauguay is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with some practitioners offering Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary depending on the practitioner and day. Please call the clinic at (450) 699-3333 or visit the website for the most current hours and appointment availability.

CISSSMO - CLSC Châteauguay
95, Avenue de la Verdure
Châteauguay, QC J6K 0E8

Phone: (450) 699-3333

Zaira Liliana Mendez Agudelo 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.