Cynthia Carsley – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Cynthia Carsley is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Groupe Santé Axio in Montréal, QC, Cynthia is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in 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. Cynthia's approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs, fostering optimal recovery and functional improvement.

With a solid educational foundation and extensive clinical experience, Cynthia has developed expertise in orthopaedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. She continually pursues professional development to stay current with evidence-based practices and innovative treatment techniques. Her goal is to help patients regain their mobility, reduce pain, and return to their daily activities with confidence and enhanced well-being.

Her practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, actively involving patients in their treatment planning and goal setting. Cynthia believes in empowering individuals through education and active participation, ensuring that each patient feels supported and informed throughout their recovery journey. She is fluent in English and French, ensuring clear communication with a diverse patient population.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• 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.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.

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

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Cynthia. 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 Groupe Santé Axio, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Cynthia frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Cynthia feeling defeated by experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity and resuming maintaining your balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• With Cynthia's help, managing that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder to achieve improved performance in work-related physical demands becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.
• Struggling with the frustration of one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain? Cynthia develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form. This is key to helping you get back to doing playing your musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Located in the heart of Montréal, Cynthia practices at Groupe Santé Axio, situated in a modern clinic in the central Montréal neighborhood. The facility is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care. The clinic is easily reachable via multiple public transit routes, ensuring a smooth and accessible experience for all visitors. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private outpatient physiotherapy is usually not reimbursed through RAMQ. It is strongly recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is ideal—think of what you might wear for light exercise or a gym session. For lower-body treatments, shorts are helpful, while for upper-body issues, a tank top or loose t-shirt allows proper examination and treatment of the area.

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

For your initial visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., RAMQ card), any relevant medical documents such as a referral note or recent imaging reports, a list of current medications, and your private insurance information if applicable. Wearing or bringing comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement is recommended.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to improving movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiothérapeute uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to assess and treat injuries, pain, and physical impairments. It aims to reduce pain, restore mobility, prevent injuries, and enhance quality of life.

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

If you experience significant worsening of pain, new concerning symptoms, or if discomfort persists beyond a couple of days, contact your Physiothérapeute. Open communication ensures proper adjustments to your treatment plan and supports your recovery.

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 advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment.

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

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree and can perform assessments, diagnosis, create, and modify treatment plans independently. They are authorized to perform certain restricted activities. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and assisting in rehabilitation without diagnosing or independently creating treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Groupe Santé Axio
999, Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, bureau 1750
Montréal, QC H3A 3L4

Phone: (514) 849-2946 | Website: www.santeaxio.com

Cynthia Carsley 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.