Dr. Camille Costa

As a Médecin spécialiste en médecine physique et réadaptation (Physiatre), Dr. Camille Costa addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Comprehensive care for individuals with limb loss, including pre-prosthetic management, prosthetic prescription, gait training, and adjustment to life with a prosthesis.
• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Helping patients regain strength, endurance, and mobility to improve their ability to perform daily tasks.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Chronic Widespread Pain: Addressing persistent pain that affects multiple body regions, often associated with conditions like fibromyalgia or central sensitization.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Treatment aimed at reducing severe pain, swelling, skin changes, and functional impairment associated with CRPS.
• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Managing pain arising from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, such as diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, or radicular pain.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Treating joint pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases.
• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Addressing soft tissue inflammation around joints to relieve pain and restore normal movement.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A multimodal approach to complex pain conditions involving muscles and connective tissues.
• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Addressing various causes of back and neck discomfort through physiatric assessment and treatment.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Costa, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Comprehensive Physiatric Assessment: Thorough evaluation of musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional status, including detailed history, physical examination, and review of imaging/diagnostic tests.
• Treatment of Joint Pain (Arthritis, Tendinopathies): Non-operative care for joint disorders, including therapeutic injections, bracing, and exercise prescription.
• Chronic Pain Management (Multimodal Approach): Developing individualized pain management plans to reduce suffering and improve daily functioning for patients with chronic pain.
• Therapeutic Injections (Joints, Soft Tissues, Nerves): Minimally invasive procedures to deliver medication directly to the source of pain or inflammation for therapeutic benefit.
• Management of Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson's): Optimizing function and quality of life for patients with progressive or chronic neurological conditions through tailored therapies and adaptive strategies.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Costa. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Camille Costa adhere to the scope of practice for Médecin spécialiste en médecine physique et réadaptation (Physiatre)s in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At Shriners Canada, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Costa frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing feeling very stiff and having trouble moving because of their Parkinson's is a common journey for patients under Dr. Costa's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling successful return to work or meaningful activities, so that daily routines and pleasures like reaching for items on high shelves become straightforward again.
• If their work-related injury preventing them from performing their job duties has unfortunately put enjoying hobbies like painting, knitting, or playing a musical instrument on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Costa works closely with patients towards attaining achieving a better overall sense of well-being and physical comfort, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• Many people seek Dr. Costa's professional help and expertise when dealing with their child having movement difficulties due to cerebral palsy or another condition. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently improved cognitive function, such as memory and concentration, after a brain injury, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to bending down or kneeling without severe discomfort.
• For individuals troubled by the burning pain in their feet from diabetes making it hard to walk, Dr. Costa's approach is focused on delivering improved ability to engage in leisure activities and hobbies they enjoy. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like being able to stand for periods needed for work or daily tasks with a healthier smile.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Costa, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Costa is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Costa's practice, Shriners Canada, is situated in a central location within the Montréal neighborhood of Montréal. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Costa at Shriners Canada?

The first visit with Dr. Costa will typically involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current symptoms, how these symptoms impact their daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Costa will then perform a thorough physical examination, which may focus on the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, spine) and/or neurological system depending on the presenting problem. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT) or test results will be reviewed. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Costa will discuss her diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with the patient to establish functional goals.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Costa do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Costa is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities resulting from injury (e.g., sports injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury), illness (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis), or chronic pain. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Costa treats?

Physiatrists like Dr. Costa treat a variety of conditions, including the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. Dr. Costa focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Costa?

In QC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Costa for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Costa has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Costa covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Costa are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral if required by the plan or clinic. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain types of injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees for materials or facility use. It's always best to inquire with Shriners Canada about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What should I bring to my appointment with Dr. Costa?

Bring your provincial health card (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card), the referral letter (if applicable), a list of all current medications (including dosage and frequency for prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements), copies of relevant medical records, imaging reports (X-ray, MRI, CT scans – reports are often more useful than just the images themselves initially), and any pertinent test results. If applicable, also bring comfortable clothing that allows for easy examination of the affected body part(s), and any braces, splints, or assistive devices you currently use.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Costa recommend them?

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly and well electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. Costa might recommend these electrodiagnostic tests to help diagnose conditions such as pinched nerves (radiculopathy), carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve or muscle problems, guiding further treatment.

Shriners Canada
1003 boul Decarie
Montréal, QC, H4A 0A9

Phone: (514) 842-4464

Dr. Camille Costa is a licensed Médecin spécialiste en médecine physique et réadaptation (Physiatre) in QC, regulated by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec).

License Number: 17176

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=17176

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Costa. Dr. Costa and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.