Claude Hétu

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

Cardioresp

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): Physiotherapy interventions for individuals with chronic bronchitis or emphysema, focusing on improving lung function, reducing breathlessness, and increasing ability to perform daily activities.
• Post-Pneumonia / Respiratory Infection Recovery: Physiotherapy to aid your recovery from serious respiratory illnesses and their lingering effects on your breathing and overall physical capacity.
• Bronchiectasis Management (Airway Clearance): Improving lung hygiene, reducing cough burden, and enhancing quality of life for those with bronchiectasis through tailored physiotherapy interventions.
• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Supportive physiotherapy care focusing on individually prescribed and monitored graded exercise, education on lifestyle changes, and strategies to manage symptoms and improve confidence post-heart event.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Specialized care for heart and lung conditions, focusing on functional improvement, symptom management, and empowering you with strategies for better respiratory and cardiac health. Also includes recovery support after pneumonia or other significant respiratory infections.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: A structured physiotherapy program designed to help you manage your chronic lung condition more effectively, improve your physical function, and reduce hospital admissions.
• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy management for individuals experiencing persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection (Long COVID), such as profound fatigue, breathlessness (dyspnea), muscle weakness, joint pain, 'brain fog' (cognitive difficulties), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) symptoms, and exercise intolerance.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.

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

• For those whose widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia has made getting back to your regular, consistent gym workouts seem like a distant memory, Claude's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to getting back to your regular, consistent gym workouts with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Are you finding that recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement stops you from enjoying getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting? Claude is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Struggling with the frustration of frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders? Claude develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life. This is key to helping you get back to doing hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Claude practices at the CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal), situated within a modern clinic in the central Montréal neighborhood. The facility is part of the Clinique de spécialités médicales, a public healthcare environment that offers a comprehensive range of specialized services including orthopedics, rheumatology, physiatrics, neurology, and plastic surgery. Conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, the clinic is easily accessible via multiple public transit routes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Does CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CHUM offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment, and our administrative team will handle the billing process. This service helps streamline your experience and reduces upfront payments.

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, diagnose, and create treatment plans. They can practice independently and perform restricted activities with attestations. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying treatments and guiding exercises without diagnosing or independently creating treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

In Quebec, patients can generally see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurer beforehand to confirm their requirements.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, and manipulations aimed at reducing pain, improving joint mobility, relaxing muscles, and restoring nerve function. It is a core component of physiotherapy practice used to facilitate movement and recovery.

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

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ in Quebec. Some exceptions exist for care received in public hospitals or CLSCs under specific conditions. Most patients pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. It is recommended to verify your eligibility for any public coverage directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for additional coverage options.

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

Many private insurance plans offer coverage for physiotherapy services. Before your appointment, contact your insurer to understand your benefits, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, co-payments, and whether a doctor's referral is needed. If your plan allows direct billing, Claude's clinic can often bill your insurer directly, simplifying the payment process. Otherwise, you'll receive an official receipt to submit for reimbursement. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment.

CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal)
1000, Rue Saint-Denis
Montréal, QC H2X 0C1

Phone: (514) 890-8301

Claude Hétu 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.