Claudia Martel – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Claudia Martel is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at ProAction Physio (Charlesbourg) in Québec, QC. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). With a focus on performance and athletic rehabilitation, Claudia specializes in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament issues. Her approach encompasses everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, Claudia provides specialized assessment and treatment for jaw pain (TMJ/TMD), orofacial pain, and various headaches with a musculoskeletal component, ensuring a holistic approach to her patients’ recovery and performance enhancement.

Her clinical expertise is backed by extensive education and ongoing professional development. Claudia completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has cultivated a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as TMJ, Headache, and Orofacial Pain Physiotherapy. Her experience includes working with athletes and active individuals, helping them optimize movement, prevent injuries, and achieve their peak performance levels through tailored rehabilitation programs. Claudia’s dedication to evidence-based practices ensures her patients benefit from the latest and most effective physiotherapy interventions.

Claudia adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to set realistic goals and develop personalized treatment plans that promote active participation. She emphasizes education, empowering patients with practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Her philosophy centers on preventive care and long-term wellness, fostering a proactive mindset for maintaining musculoskeletal health. Claudia is fluent in French, facilitating clear communication and personalized care for her diverse patient community.

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

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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.

Tmj Headache

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction / TMD: Specialized physiotherapy for jaw pain, difficulty opening your mouth wide, painful chewing, and other TMJ-related symptoms, often involving manual therapy, specific exercises, and postural education.
• Tinnitus (Musculoskeletal/TMJ-Related): Investigating and treating potential musculoskeletal contributions to certain types of tinnitus, particularly if your tinnitus changes with neck or jaw movements, or if you have concurrent neck/jaw pain.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

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

• Acupuncture (Medical or Traditional): Traditional acupuncture techniques or anatomical (medical) acupuncture integrated into physiotherapy practice for pain management (e.g., chronic low back pain, osteoarthritis, headaches), swelling reduction, and functional improvement.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Dry Needling / Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS): A technique aimed at releasing muscle knots (trigger points) that can cause local or referred pain, alleviating persistent myofascial pain syndromes, and improving neuromuscular communication to restore normal muscle activity.

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 ProAction Physio (Charlesbourg), 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:

• Are you finding that facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) stops you from enjoying attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout? Claudia is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Don't let that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity dictate what you can and cannot do. Claudia offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function, helping you reclaim dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations and enjoy a more functional life.
• Many individuals seek help from Claudia, their physiotherapist, when trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like playing your musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods.

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

Claudia practices at ProAction Physio (Charlesbourg), located in the heart of Québec's central neighborhood. The clinic is situated within a modern, private facility that offers easy access and a welcoming environment for active individuals seeking performance-oriented physiotherapy. Conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, it is easily reachable by public transit routes serving the area. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 Physiothérapeute 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.

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

In general, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are not directly covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. However, care received within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered under certain circumstances. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private extended health insurance plans, as many offer substantial physiotherapy coverage.

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, establish diagnoses, and create treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying treatment modalities and guiding exercises without diagnosing or independently creating 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 typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify the requirements of your insurance before your first appointment.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Absolutely. Physiotherapy focuses not only on treating current issues but also on preventing future problems. A Physiothérapeute can assess your movement patterns, identify weaknesses or imbalances, and develop personalized exercise and prevention strategies. This proactive approach is especially beneficial for athletes, active individuals, and those with physically demanding jobs, helping to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and reduce the risk of recurring pain.

ProAction Physio (Charlesbourg)
8379, Boulevard Henri-Bourassa, # 104
Québec, QC G1G 4E1

Phone: (418) 628-7441 | Website: www.physiotherapiecharlesbourg.com

Claudia Martel 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.