Christopher Skafidas – Physiotherapy Technologist | Montréal, QC

Christopher Skafidas is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at Physio Balance (Coeur de l'Ile) in Montréal, QC, Christopher is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). His approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans designed to meet each individual's unique needs, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel valued and empowered in their recovery journey.

In his role, Christopher assists in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises and applying various modalities to support recovery and improve functional mobility. His focus is on helping adult patients regain strength, reduce pain, and restore optimal movement, ensuring that each person receives attentive, evidence-based care tailored to their specific condition.

With a solid foundation in physiotherapy education and clinical experience, Christopher has developed skills and a particular interest in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring. He is dedicated to ongoing professional development, staying current with the latest physiotherapy practices and techniques, all aimed at delivering the best possible outcomes for his patients.

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

Common Msk

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.

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

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Christopher. 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 Balance (Coeur de l'Ile), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Christopher frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk has made simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around your neighborhood for fresh air seem like a distant memory, Christopher's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around your neighborhood for fresh air with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Many find that sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica significantly impacts their ability to getting back to golfing 18 holes without your back acting up. Christopher helps patients target decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Christopher's clinic, common concerns like managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.

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

Christopher practices at Physio Balance (Coeur de l'Ile), located in the heart of Montréal in a central neighborhood easily accessible by public transit. The clinic is situated within a modern private facility that is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare and everyday necessities. The location is well-connected via multiple bus and metro routes, ensuring that patients from various parts of the city can reach us with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.) directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to receive physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance provider before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

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

It's common to experience some temporary soreness or mild symptom increases after treatments, especially initially or when starting new exercises. This usually resolves within 24-48 hours. If you notice a significant or sharp increase in pain, new neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness, or if soreness persists longer than expected, contact Christopher or your healthcare provider promptly. They can advise you on the next steps or adjustments needed in your treatment plan.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master’s degree in physiotherapy, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans independently. A Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.) has completed a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They work under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, implementing treatment plans, assisting patients with exercises, and applying modalities to support recovery.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Coverage may be available for physiotherapy provided directly within public hospitals or CLSCs under specific conditions. For outpatient private physiotherapy, it is recommended to verify coverage with RAMQ and your insurance provider, as many private plans offer substantial reimbursement for these services.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapy Technologists at Physio Balance (Coeur de l'Ile) treat?

Physiotherapy Technologists at Physio Balance treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues such as back and neck pain, joint problems like arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries like ankle sprains, and nerve pain. They also work with patients on therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient education to help achieve their movement and functional goals.

Physio Balance (Coeur de l'Ile)
529, Rue Jarry E, bureau 303
Montréal, QC H2P 1V4

Phone: (514) 679-6792

Christopher Skafidas 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.