Cristian Alexander Abondano Espinosa – Physiotherapist | Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC

Cristian Alexander Abondano Espinosa is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Action Sport Physio (Salaberry-de-Valleyfield) in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC, Cristian is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. With a compassionate approach, Cristian focuses on 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. Additionally, Cristian offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. His goal is to help patients reduce symptoms, improve stability, and decrease fall risk, allowing them to regain confidence in their movements.

Cristian Alexander Abondano Espinosa completed their degree in Physiotherapy. With clinical experience, Cristian is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. He has developed skills and a particular interest in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation, ensuring that each patient receives tailored and effective treatment plans. His continuous pursuit of knowledge allows him to stay current with the latest techniques and research, providing patients with the best possible care.

Practicing with a philosophy rooted in evidence-based practice and lifelong learning, Cristian emphasizes a collaborative approach—working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. He advocates for preventative care and long-term wellness within the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield community through proactive physiotherapy strategies. Cristian is fluent in English, Spanish, and French, enabling him to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations and ensure comfort and understanding throughout the treatment process.

Cristian Alexander Abondano Espinosa provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.

Neurological

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with MS stay active, manage symptoms effectively, maintain independence for as long as possible, and adapt to changes in their condition.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises and techniques provided by a Physiotherapist to manage symptoms of facial palsy and support optimal recovery of facial muscle control.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Gentle exercises, stretching programs, and strategies to preserve strength and function, and to manage secondary complications associated with muscular dystrophies.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Supporting individuals with FND to improve their physical function, reduce symptom burden, and enhance participation in daily life activities through specialized physiotherapy.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

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

• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Comprehensive support for improving performance in activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, bathing, transferring, cooking) and rebuilding physical confidence and independence in older adults.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Tailored exercise prescription, education on safe movement, manual therapy (gentle techniques), and functional training to help seniors maintain their independence, enhance safety in their home and community, and promote active and healthy aging.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Cristian. 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 Action Sport Physio (Salaberry-de-Valleyfield), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Cristian frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Cristian believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot is hindering your ability to managing your personal care routines independently, a personalized plan focusing on successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery can make all the difference.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints)? Cristian works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as peacefully paddling your kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• Tired of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk interfering with keeping up with your team during our weekly soccer match? Cristian uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Located in the heart of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Cristian practices at Action Sport Physio in a modern clinic situated in the central neighborhood of the city. The clinic is conveniently accessible within the community, situated near local services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring a smooth journey for those using transit. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, while a doctor's referral is not legally required to receive physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This varies depending on individual needs and conditions. After your initial assessment, Cristian will provide an estimate of the number of sessions and frequency required to reach your goals. He believes in open communication, and your progress will be regularly reviewed to adjust the treatment plan as needed.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiothérapeute, is a science-based profession focused on restoring movement and function affected by injury, illness, or disability. It employs therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, education, and advice to empower individuals to manage their health and achieve their physical goals, while also reducing the risk of future problems.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Physiotherapy Technologist in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute has completed a master's level university education, allowing them to assess patients, diagnose conditions, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) and plays a vital role in implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, and reporting progress under supervision.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Coverage may be available through specific programs or in public hospitals or CLSCs, but most outpatient private physiotherapy requires out-of-pocket payment or private insurance. It's recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

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

Many private insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for physiotherapy services. It is best to contact your insurer before your first appointment to understand your coverage limits, co-payments, and whether a referral is needed. If your plan allows, Cristian's clinic can often bill your insurer directly, streamlining the process. Remember to bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at Action Sport Physio (Salaberry-de-Valleyfield) treat?

Cristian treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and balance-related conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, nerve pain, and specific focus areas like vestibular disorders, dizziness, and balance concerns. He also addresses post-shoulder surgeries, age-related deconditioning, and neurological conditions like MS and FND, always aiming to restore function and improve quality of life for his patients.

Action Sport Physio (Salaberry-de-Valleyfield)
1020, Boulevard Monseigneur-Langlois, # 210
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC J6S 0M2

Phone: (450) 373-0111

Cristian Alexander Abondano Espinosa 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.