Chantal Besner – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Chantal Besner is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS CENTRE SUD DE L'ÎLE-DE-MONTRÉAL in Montréal, QC, Chantal is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She takes a compassionate and supportive approach to physiotherapy, recognizing the unique needs of each individual. Her goal is to help patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and enhance their overall well-being through personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific circumstances.

Chantal's role involves providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions. She serves a diverse range of patients, from athletes recovering from sports injuries to seniors managing chronic joint pain, ensuring everyone receives attentive and effective care. Her approach emphasizes empowering patients with knowledge and strategies to maintain their health long-term, fostering a collaborative relationship that promotes healing and prevention.

With a solid educational background in physiotherapy and ongoing commitment to professional development, Chantal stays current with the latest evidence-based practices. She is fluent in English and French, making her accessible and responsive to the needs of Montréal's diverse community. Her philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals while promoting preventative care and long-term wellness.

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

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.
• 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.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Damage to muscle tissue that can range from minor micro-tears to more significant partial or complete tears, impacting strength, power, and range of motion.

Common Msk

• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• 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.

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

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Chantal. 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 CIUSSS CENTRE SUD DE L'ÎLE-DE-MONTRÉAL, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Chantal frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• It's truly rewarding for Chantal to witness patients conquer recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) and experience being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again again.
• When wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations, physiotherapy with Chantal can help you work towards a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Living with persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady doesn't have to be your norm. Chantal applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises.

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

Chantal practices at CIUSSS CENTRE SUD DE L'ÎLE-DE-MONTRÉAL, situated within a modern, accessible clinic in the heart of Montréal’s central neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care within their daily routines. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring straightforward access for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed 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.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your appointment to avoid any surprises regarding coverage.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration depends on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiothérapeute.

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 through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private outpatient physiotherapy is typically not included. It’s important to verify your coverage with RAMQ and check your private insurance for possible reimbursement.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition and goals. After an initial assessment, your Physiothérapeute will estimate the number of sessions needed and the frequency of visits. Regular reviews will ensure your progress is monitored, and the treatment plan is adjusted as necessary to support your recovery and wellness objectives.

What is CIUSSS CENTRE SUD DE L'ÎLE-DE-MONTRÉAL's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure efficient scheduling for all patients, we kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or missed appointments without sufficient notice may incur a fee, typically equivalent to 50% of the service cost or a set amount like $XX. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to modify your appointment.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To facilitate a smooth first visit, please bring your health card, any relevant doctor’s referral, results of imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs), a list of current medications, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card or policy number). Wearing comfortable clothing is also recommended to allow for easy movement and assessment.

CIUSSS CENTRE SUD DE L'ÎLE-DE-MONTRÉAL
155, Boulevard Saint-Joseph E
Montréal, QC H2T 1H4

Phone: (514) 413-8777

Chantal Besner 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.