Christina Rosa – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Christina Rosa is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Physio + Hamel in Gatineau, QC, Christina is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs, fostering a supportive and welcoming environment for recovery and wellness.

Christina's physiotherapy focus encompasses 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. She also specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, tailoring care to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Her services are designed to serve older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, ensuring community-wide access to quality physiotherapy care.

With a strong foundation in education and ongoing professional development, Christina completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, as well as sports physiotherapy. She is committed to evidence-based practices and continual learning, ensuring her patients benefit from the latest advancements and techniques in physiotherapy. Fluent in French and English, Christina fosters clear communication and cultural inclusivity in her practice, making every patient feel heard and supported on their healing journey.

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

Common Msk

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.

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.
• 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.

Sports Injury

• 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.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.

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

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Christina. 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 Physio + Hamel, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Christina frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• At Christina's physiotherapy practice, individuals with difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy are guided towards restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.
• It's truly rewarding for Christina to witness patients conquer dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) and experience a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court again.
• Many individuals seek help from Christina, their physiotherapist, when dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like keeping up with your team during our weekly soccer match.

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

Christina practices at 'Physio + Hamel', situated in the Gatineau Sector Central (Mont-Luc, Tecumseh) neighborhood of Gatineau. This private clinic facility is conveniently located near the Hôpital de Gatineau area and is accessible via the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT line. The location is easy to reach by public transit or car, with clear signage and accessible entrances. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiothérapeute to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to *see* a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It's advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first visit to confirm their requirements.

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 and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnosis, and a broad range of interventions independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) has a college-level (CEGEP) diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding patients through exercises. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Is there parking available at or near Physio + Hamel?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Additional street parking is generally available on nearby streets. Please check local signage for any restrictions or time limits.

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

Most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care provided within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered under specific circumstances. It’s recommended to verify your coverage with RAMQ and your private insurer before your appointment to understand your benefits.

Physio + Hamel
455, Boulevard de la Gappe, # 308
Gatineau, QC J8T 0G1

Phone: (819) 639-4425

Christina Rosa 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.