Christine Elizabeth Bessette – Physiotherapist | Milton, ON

Christine Elizabeth Bessette is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Pelvic Health Focus). Practicing at Christine Bessette, Physiotherapist in Milton, ON, Christine Bessette is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Christine Bessette provides specialized assessment and treatment for conditions related to the pelvic floor and surrounding region for all genders. This includes issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal concerns. Christine Bessette serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Christine Elizabeth Bessette completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2003). With extensive clinical experience, Christine Bessette is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Christine Bessette has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Pelvic Health Physiotherapy.

Christine Bessette employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Christine Bessette offers consultations in English.

Christine Elizabeth Bessette provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.

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. Christine Bessette can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Pre-Natal (Pregnancy) Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy support to help you stay active, comfortable, and strong throughout your pregnancy, addressing the physical challenges and changes your body undergoes.
• Post-Natal (Postpartum) Rehabilitation: Helping you rebuild strength, stability, and confidence in your body during the postpartum period, addressing concerns like 'mummy tummy' or bladder leakage.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Christine Bessette, 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 Christine Bessette, Physiotherapist, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Christine Bessette frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Christine Bessette's help, managing trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to achieve decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like walking their children to school or the park.
• Christine Bessette believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult is hindering your ability to taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day, a personalized plan focusing on enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain can make all the difference.
• Patients struggling with needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity can find dedicated and compassionate support from Christine Bessette. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness.
• For those whose difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke has made playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time seem like a distant memory, Christine Bessette's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Christine Bessette, Physiotherapist is situated in the Milton Central/North/East (Old Milton, Dempsey, Clarke, Beaty, Coates) neighborhood of Milton. The clinic is conveniently located near Highway 401 Access and is accessible via Milton Transit. Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required for your appointment, some extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of services. It's crucial to check your individual insurance policy's requirements before your first appointment to avoid unexpected costs.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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

Physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions or for specific populations (children/youth, seniors) through Community Physiotherapy Clinics or Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may exist. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Christine Bessette, Physiotherapist offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

What is Christine Bessette, Physiotherapist'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 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 may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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.

Christine Bessette, Physiotherapist
245 Commercial Street
Milton, ON, L9T 2J3

Phone: (905) 875-8331

Christine Elizabeth Bessette 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: XXX61

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6a95d279-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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