Léa Balthazard

Occupation:
Physiotherapist
Main clinic:
Physioactive Montreal
Pronoun:
She
Léa Balthazard, a physical therapist at Physioactif, smiling, wearing a black sweater and a necklace with a pearl pendant, against a gray background, in a black-and-white photo.

Léa Balthazard

in a nutshell

"It's the detours that make for the most beautiful journeys."

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I believe that achieving a goal isn't always a straight path. Injuries, unexpected events, and times when we need to slow down are sometimes part of the journey. And while progress isn't measured solely by the final result, it's also found in all the small steps that help us get there!

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This perspective greatly influences the way I practice physical therapy. I like to take the time to understand the person in front of me—what matters to them and what they hope to regain in their daily lives. Beyond treating an injury, I want to help people better understand their pain and regain confidence in their abilities. I enjoy supporting each person on their own journey, tailoring their care to their needs and goals.

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You'll get along well with me if:

  • You love the outdoors (and coffee!).
  • Are you the type of person who gets up at 4 a.m. so you don't miss a single moment of your favorite sports event?
  • You like to understand what's going on in your life and ask questions, but you also like to laugh and chat about this and that.

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I have a particular interest in:

  • Various musculoskeletal conditions
  • Sports Customers
  • Pediatric patients (infants, children, and adolescents)
  • Concussion

Get to know Guillaume

What has your career path been like?

If I had relied on the results of the many career assessment tests I took to help me choose my college major, I might be an accountant today… or an agricultural technology teacher :) I discovered physical therapy as a teenager, while I was receiving treatment myself for sports-related injuries, and I quickly realized that this profession aligned with many aspects of my personality. Curious, proactive, and organized, I love to understand, reflect, and find solutions. But above all, I love to help, support, and work with others. I’m convinced that physical therapy can have a tangible impact on a person’s life and enable them to resume—or continue—the activities that are important to them!

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My own athletic journey has also helped me better understand what an injury can mean. Sports have taught me a great deal, both about the benefits of physical activity and the challenges that can come with it: balancing training and school, dealing with injuries, learning to listen to your body, and being willing to take a break or adjust your activities when necessary. Today, I want to draw on these experiences to support you on your journey, just as I was fortunate enough to be supported myself.

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During my studies, I had the opportunity to work with a variety of client populations and in different settings. In particular, I was involved with the University of Montreal’s Carabins rugby team and worked as a physical therapy assistant at the Marie Enfant Rehabilitation Center. I completed my master’s degree with an internship at Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, an experience that reaffirmed my interest in pediatric physical therapy. Today, I continue my professional development with great curiosity and a thirst for learning. I’m interested in various fields of physical therapy and hope to continue developing a diverse practice!

Continuing education?
  • • April 2026 – Addressing Psychosocial Challenges in Physical Therapy – Ariel Desjardins-Charbonneau and Alexis Gougeon
  • • October 2024 – CHUSJ Pediatric Physical Therapy Symposium
What do you find most rewarding about your job?

What I particularly love about physical therapy is the blend of science and human interaction. I enjoy trying to understand what contributes to a person’s symptoms, but above all, I enjoy working with them to figure out what could truly help them achieve their goals.

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Active listening is a core value in my practice. I want my patients to feel heard, understood, and involved in their rehabilitation. Two people with the same injury may have completely different needs, goals, and circumstances. My role, therefore, is to adapt to the person in front of me, explain their symptoms in simple terms, and support them as they seek solutions.

What sports do you play?

Sports have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember! I started downhill skiing when I was a year and a half old and competed in the sport for nearly 15 years. Today, I mainly enjoy running, downhill skiing, alpine hiking, and cycling, but I’m always up for trying something new. Over the years, I’ve also been a member of various sports teams, including flag football and ultimate Frisbee.

Have you ever been injured?

Yes! Broken bones and concussions have given me a firsthand experience of the ups and downs that can come with an injury and the recovery process.

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These experiences have taught me that rehabilitation isn’t always a linear process: there are good days and not-so-good days, times when you make rapid progress and others when you feel like you’re treading water. Above all, they’ve taught me to be patient, to trust the process, and to recognize even small steps of progress.

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This is a lesson I carry with me in my practice: there is no single path to recovery. My role is to support you on your own journey, to adapt to your reality, and to help you move forward, one step at a time.

Three funny facts about you

• Between -30 °C and +30 °C, I'd choose -30 °C without hesitation.

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• I love road trips in Quebec! If you're looking for places to visit, I have plenty to recommend, from Montreal all the way to the end of Highway 138.

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• I'm a big fan of puzzles. And of course, I sort my pieces by color and shape :)

Services offered by Guillaume

We offer a full range of healthcare services tailored to your individual needs. Whether you’re seeking treatment for a specific condition or looking to maintain your overall well-being, we’re here to help.

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A physical therapist performing a shoulder and neck massage on a patient at a physical therapy clinic
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