Ariel Desjardins-Charbonneau – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Ariel Desjardins-Charbonneau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Physioactif / Ahuntsic (Auparavant Physioactif Claude-Robillard) in Montréal, QC. Ariel 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 focus on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, Ariel's approach involves thorough assessments and tailored treatment plans to help patients recover, regain function, and improve their overall well-being.

Ariel’s expertise encompasses the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of conditions affecting muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. This includes everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Ariel specializes in the evaluation and treatment of athletic injuries, working with individuals of all activity levels—from recreational athletes to elite competitors—to facilitate safe return to sport, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Care is tailored for older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, ensuring a broad scope of effective physiotherapy services.

With a solid educational background and extensive clinical experience, Ariel Desjardins-Charbonneau completed their degree in Physiotherapy and is dedicated to ongoing professional development. Ariel has developed particular interest and skills in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Sports Physiotherapy. Their practice philosophy emphasizes a collaborative, patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Ariel believes in empowering patients through education and practical self-management strategies for lasting health benefits. Ariel is fluent in English and French, ensuring clear communication with diverse patient populations.

Ariel Desjardins-Charbonneau provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, cognitive difficulties ('brain fog', memory issues), fatigue, and emotional changes. Post-Concussion Syndrome refers to symptoms persisting beyond the typical recovery window.

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

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• 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.
• 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Ariel. 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 Physioactif / Ahuntsic (Auparavant Physioactif Claude-Robillard), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Ariel frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• When pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back, physiotherapy with Ariel can help you work towards improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• The journey to feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises when faced with persistent awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) is made smoother and more effective with Ariel's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like peacefully paddling your kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• For those whose needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity has made reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches seem like a distant memory, Ariel's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks. 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.

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

Located in the heart of Montréal, Ariel practices at Physioactif / Ahuntsic (Auparavant Physioactif Claude-Robillard), a modern private clinic situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The facility is well-connected via public transit routes, ensuring easy reach for those using buses and metro services. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What are Physioactif / Ahuntsic (Auparavant Physioactif Claude-Robillard)'s operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (514) 385-5682 or check our website at www.physioactif.com for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a 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.

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. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC (if meeting their criteria) might be covered, but private clinic physiotherapy is usually not. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiothérapeute uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, manual therapy, and education to assess, diagnose, and treat injuries, pain, and physical impairments affecting muscles, joints, nerves, and other systems. It can reduce pain, improve mobility, assist recovery from surgery, prevent injuries, and enhance quality of life.

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

Many private insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for physiotherapy services. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your first visit to understand your plan's specifics. Key points include your annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required, and if direct billing is available. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows, we can bill your insurer directly, and you pay any remaining co-payment at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment.

How can I book an appointment at Physioactif / Ahuntsic (Auparavant Physioactif Claude-Robillard)?

You can book an appointment by calling us at (514) 385-5682 during business hours. Many practitioners also offer online booking through our website at www.physioactif.com. Our friendly staff will assist you in scheduling a suitable appointment with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Physioactif / Ahuntsic (Auparavant Physioactif Claude-Robillard)
8801, Rue Lajeunesse
Montréal, QC H2M 1R8

Phone: (514) 385-5682 | Website: www.physioactif.com

Ariel Desjardins-Charbonneau 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.