Claudia Benjamin – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Claudia Benjamin is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Hôpital Jean-Talon - CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal in Montréal, QC, Claudia is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in performance and athletic-oriented physiotherapy, 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. Claudia also provides specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents to address developmental delays, congenital conditions such as torticollis, orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and to promote optimal motor function and participation. Her approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of adults and seniors, helping them achieve their performance and wellness goals effectively.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Claudia has developed a particular interest and advanced skills in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Pediatric Physiotherapy. She completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that enhances her ability to deliver personalized care. She emphasizes ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest techniques and innovations in physiotherapy, ensuring her patients benefit from the most effective treatments available.

Claudia's practice philosophy revolves around a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. She believes in empowering individuals through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies that promote lasting results. Her patient-centered approach involves actively engaging patients in their treatment planning and goal setting, fostering a supportive environment for recovery and performance enhancement. Claudia is fluent in English and French, facilitating effective communication with diverse patient populations and ensuring a comfortable and comprehensive care experience.

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

Pediatric

• Toe Walking (Idiopathic / Habitual): Helping children develop a more typical and efficient walking pattern by addressing the factors contributing to persistent toe walking.
• Pediatric Sports Injuries & Growing Pains (e.g., Osgood-Schlatter, Sever's Disease): Specialized physiotherapy for sports injuries in the pediatric population, considering growth plate sensitivity and the importance of age-appropriate rehabilitation.

Common Msk

• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.
• 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.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.

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

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Evidence-based physiotherapy for a wide range of sports-related injuries (e.g., ligament sprains, muscle tears, tendinopathies, overuse injuries), incorporating advanced techniques and sport-specific training.
• Gait Analysis & Running/Walking Re-training: Evaluation of how you walk or run, with tailored advice from your Physiotherapist on footwear, technique modifications, and exercises to improve your form and prevent injury.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Claudia. 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 Hôpital Jean-Talon - CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Claudia frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Claudia can help you move beyond recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim). The focus is on returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as maintaining an upright posture while working on your computer for hours.
• At Claudia's physiotherapy practice, individuals recovering from surgery to their hand or wrist are guided towards being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.
• Living with trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain doesn't have to be your norm. Claudia applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.

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

Claudia practices at Hôpital Jean-Talon - CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, situated in a modern clinic located in the central Montreal neighborhood of Montréal. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring easy reach for patients from various parts of the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

Currently, in Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. However, certain public health programs or specific circumstances may offer coverage, so it's advisable to verify eligibility directly with RAMQ and your insurance provider.

Does Hôpital Jean-Talon - CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Hôpital Jean-Talon - CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers, including Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate billing. If direct billing is not available for your plan, we provide official receipts that you can submit for reimbursement.

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

If you experience a significant increase in pain, neurological symptoms, or if your soreness persists beyond 48 hours, contact Claudia or the clinic directly. It may be necessary to reassess your treatment plan or schedule an appointment for further evaluation.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician’s referral (known as direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy beforehand.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

Please bring your health card, any relevant doctor’s referral, reports of imaging tests, a list of medications, and your insurance information if you wish to use direct billing. Wearing comfortable clothing is also recommended.

What are Hôpital Jean-Talon - CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary by practitioner and day. Please contact the clinic directly at [phone number] or visit our website for current hours and appointment availability.

Hôpital Jean-Talon - CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal
1385, Rue Jean-Talon E
Montréal, QC H2E 1S6

Phone: (514) 495-6767

Claudia Benjamin 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.