Camila Bernal – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Camila Bernal is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal) in Montréal, QC, Camila is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Camila’s role encompasses managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Her approach involves a comprehensive treatment plan that includes breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, exercise prescription, and patient education, aiming to improve respiratory function and overall well-being.

In addition to her focus on respiratory health, Camila addresses a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Her expertise extends to managing issues involving muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments, from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain conditions, arthritis management, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Camila’s holistic approach ensures that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs, promoting optimal recovery and functional improvement.

Camila completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that fuels her ongoing commitment to professional development. She is particularly interested in advancing her skills in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a patient-centered, collaborative approach—actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Camila believes in empowering her patients through education and practical self-management strategies, fostering lasting health benefits. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and French, enabling her to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.

Cardioresp

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): Physiotherapy as a core component of pulmonary rehabilitation programs for COPD, including supervised exercise training (aerobic and strength), breathing techniques (e.g., pursed-lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing), airway clearance techniques (if mucus is an issue), and education to help manage COPD symptoms, improve exercise tolerance, and enhance quality of life.
• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Aiding your recovery, promoting heart health, and helping you achieve an active lifestyle after a cardiac condition through a structured physiotherapy component of cardiac rehab.
• Post-Pneumonia / Respiratory Infection Recovery: Helping you get back on your feet, improve your stamina, and restore your respiratory health after a severe chest infection.
• Asthma Management (Exercise-Induced & General Support): A chronic inflammatory condition of the airways causing recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, often triggered by allergens, irritants, cold air, or exercise (Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction - EIB).

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.

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

• 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): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• 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: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Camila. 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 CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Camila frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Camila believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move is hindering your ability to operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work, a personalized plan focusing on improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics can make all the difference.
• Camila frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like driving for longer periods without neck or back pain.
• Patients struggling with managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease can find dedicated and compassionate support from Camila. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.

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

Camila practices at CHUM, a prominent public healthcare facility situated in the heart of Montréal's central neighborhood. Located within a modern clinic, the facility offers easy access for patients coming from various parts of the city. Its strategic location near local community services and pharmacies makes it convenient for patients to integrate their physiotherapy appointments into their daily routines. The clinic is well-connected via multiple public transit routes, ensuring accessibility for all. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal)'s appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost or a set amount like $50 may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiothérapeute about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

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?

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your appointment to ensure coverage.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions are generally scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs and treatment plan.

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

In Quebec, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) typically does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some services provided within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered, but private outpatient physiotherapy remains largely private-pay. It is recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services.

CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal)
1000, Rue Saint-Denis
Montréal, QC H2X 0C1

Phone: (514) 890-8000

Camila Bernal 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.