Chantal Ethier – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Chantal Ethier is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Canadian Forces Health Services Centre Ottawa (DND) in Ottawa, ON, Chantal Ethier is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Chantal Ethier's role involves addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Chantal Ethier serves adults.

Chantal Ethier completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 1994). With extensive clinical experience, Chantal Ethier is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Chantal Ethier has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Chantal Ethier employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Chantal Ethier maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care, and promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Chantal Ethier offers consultations in English, French.

Chantal Ethier provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• 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.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Chantal Ethier can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Chantal Ethier, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At Canadian Forces Health Services Centre Ottawa (DND), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Chantal Ethier frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Living with facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) doesn't have to be your norm. Chantal Ethier applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Chantal Ethier's clinic, common concerns like that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• Struggling with the frustration of trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain? Chantal Ethier develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation. This is key to helping you get back to doing giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• With Chantal Ethier's help, managing difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain to achieve waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.

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

Chantal Ethier practices at Canadian Forces Health Services Centre Ottawa (DND), situated in the Federal Government Buildings (Parliamentary Precinct, Tunney's Pasture) neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Does Canadian Forces Health Services Centre Ottawa (DND) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Canadian Forces Health Services Centre Ottawa (DND) treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified), Postural Assessment and Correction, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most of the population. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verifying your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

Is there parking available at or near Canadian Forces Health Services Centre Ottawa (DND)?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to our building. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

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 appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Canadian Forces Health Services Centre Ottawa (DND)
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K2

Phone: (613) 945-1585

Chantal Ethier is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX90

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=216c8457-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.