Chantal Damas – Physiotherapist | Verdun, QC

Chantal Damas is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Pediatric Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-L'Île-de-Montréal in Verdun, QC, Chantal is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in providing tailored physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents to address developmental delays, congenital conditions such as torticollis, orthopedic injuries, neurological challenges, and to promote optimal motor function and participation. Her approach involves comprehensive assessments and personalized treatment plans aimed at enhancing mobility, coordination, and overall well-being for her young patients.

Chantal's scope of practice encompasses a wide range of conditions affecting muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. She treats everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and post-operative rehabilitation. Her goal is to support her patients in regaining function, reducing discomfort, and improving their quality of life through evidence-based interventions and compassionate care. Serving a diverse patient population, she is dedicated to fostering healthy development and lifelong activity for her pediatric clients.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Chantal completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience. She has developed particular expertise in Pediatric Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy emphasizes preventative care and long-term wellness, actively involving patients and their families in treatment planning. Fluent in English and French, Chantal is committed to empowering her patients through education, ensuring they understand their conditions and are equipped with practical self-management strategies for lasting results.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.
• 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.

Developmental

• Coordination Challenges / Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) - Supportive Physiotherapy: Supportive physiotherapy care and activity-based interventions to help children with 'clumsiness' or motor skill delays build confidence, improve their movement abilities, and participate more successfully in physical activities.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).

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

• Congenital Muscular Torticollis & Plagiocephaly (Flat Head) Treatment: Early intervention physiotherapy crucial for correcting infant neck posture, promoting symmetrical head and neck movement, and improving head shape, often preventing the need for helmet therapy or more invasive measures.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Pediatric Physiotherapy (Infants, Children & Adolescents): Expert physiotherapy care for a wide range of pediatric physical challenges, promoting healthy movement and lifelong activity.

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 du 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:

• Many individuals seek help from Chantal, their physiotherapist, when feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain.
• Patients struggling with recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery can find dedicated and compassionate support from Chantal. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations.
• If soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise is preventing you from fully enjoying simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around your neighborhood for fresh air, Chantal offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Chantal practices at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-L'Île-de-Montréal, situated in a modern clinic located in the central Verdun neighborhood of Verdun. This public healthcare facility is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easily accessible for patients. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring that patients can reach their appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and to check your private extended health insurance plans, as many offer coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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

It is helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if applicable, and relevant medical test reports such as X-rays or MRI scans. If you have private insurance coverage, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing. Wearing comfortable attire that allows for easy movement is also recommended to facilitate the assessment.

Is there parking available at or near CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-L'Île-de-Montréal?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Additionally, metered street parking is generally available on nearby streets, and a paid public parkade is located within walking distance of the clinic. Always check local signage for restrictions and parking times.

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

No, patients in Quebec can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a referral, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a physician's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy details before your appointment.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Absolutely. Physiotherapy not only addresses current issues but also plays a proactive role in injury prevention. A Physiothérapeute can evaluate your movement patterns, identify weaknesses or imbalances, and recommend exercises and strategies to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and prevent future problems.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. You may experience some discomfort or a gentle stretch during treatment, but your Physiothérapeute will modify techniques to ensure your comfort and safety. The goal is to promote recovery and well-being without causing unnecessary pain.

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

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and develop treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma and works under the supervision of a Physiothérapeute or physician, applying prescribed treatments and assisting with patient care. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-L'Île-de-Montréal
4000, Boulevard Lasalle
Verdun, QC H4G 2A3

Phone: (438) 864-4231

Chantal Damas 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.