Dr. Gaétan Filion

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

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Chronic Widespread Pain: A comprehensive approach to managing complex and diffuse pain that significantly impacts daily life.
• 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.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Specialized care to optimize recovery and prevent re-injury in athletes of all levels.
• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Managing conditions caused by repetitive stress and overuse, such as tendinopathies, shin splints, or stress reactions.

Neurological Conditions

• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation strategies to improve mobility, balance, gait, and performance of daily activities for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
• Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident - CVA) Rehabilitation: Post-stroke care focusing on maximizing recovery of motor function, speech, cognition, and independence in daily activities.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Symptom Management & Functional Rehab: Helping manage symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, weakness, and balance problems in individuals with MS to maintain function and independence.

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Helping patients regain mobility, strength, and independence after major surgical interventions.

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

• Stroke Rehabilitation: Specialized therapies to address physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges following a stroke.
• Comprehensive Physiatric Assessment: Holistic evaluation focusing on restoring function and improving quality of life for patients with physical impairments.
• Chronic Pain Management (Multimodal Approach): Developing individualized pain management plans to reduce suffering and improve daily functioning for patients with chronic pain.
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Managing the complex medical and functional consequences of spinal cord injury, aiming to optimize health, function, and community reintegration.
• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Specialized nerve testing to identify conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy (pinched nerves), peripheral neuropathy, and muscle diseases.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Filion. 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. Gaétan Filion 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 CISSS-MO, Département de médecine spécialisée, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Filion frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing pain that keeps them awake at night is a common journey for patients under Dr. Filion's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling improved hand dexterity for fine motor tasks, so that daily routines and pleasures like maintaining their balance while standing or walking become straightforward again.
• Patients presenting with needing to find better ways to cope with daily pain and its impact on their mental health can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their sports injury healing properly, allowing a safe return to play under Dr. Filion's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume enjoying intimate moments without being limited by pain or physical restriction without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Dr. Filion often consults with patients whose a 'pinched nerve' in their neck or back causing shooting pains significantly limits their enjoyment of their child being able to participate more fully in school activities or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve a smoother transition back to community living after hospitalization and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• If the burning pain in their feet from diabetes making it hard to walk has unfortunately put participating in their favorite sports or fitness activities on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Filion works closely with patients towards attaining reduced frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck issues, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

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

Dr. Filion practices at CISSS-MO, Département de médecine spécialisée, centrally located within the Saint-Hubert neighbourhood of Saint-Hubert. The clinic enjoys convenient proximity to local healthcare facilities and community services and is easily accessible via major local public transit routes. Please inquire about specific parking arrangements if you have mobility concerns.

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

In Quebec, a referral from your family doctor (GP) or another specialist is usually required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Filion for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health insurance plans such as the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Filion has the necessary medical history. If you think you need a physiatric assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

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

Dr. Filion treats various 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. His focus is on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Filion at CISSS-MO, Département de médecine spécialisée?

Your first appointment will involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, how these symptoms affect your daily life, and past treatments. Dr. Filion will perform a thorough physical examination, potentially focusing on your musculoskeletal or neurological system. Existing imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Filion will discuss his findings, recommend further investigations if needed, and outline treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to set functional goals.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Filion 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. Filion are typically covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), provided you have a valid health card and the required referral. However, some specific treatments or procedures (like certain injections, assistive devices, or comprehensive programs) might not be fully covered or may have additional fees. Inquire with CISSS-MO, Département de médecine spécialisée about potential costs and check your private insurance for coverage of additional therapies or devices.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Filion is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their main goal is to improve functional ability, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life for people with physical impairments from injury or illness. They use non-surgical treatments such as medication, exercise programs, injections (when appropriate), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans, often involving a team of therapists.

CISSS-MO, Département de médecine spécialisée
5300 Ch de Chambly
Saint-Hubert, QC, J3Y 3N7

Phone: (450) 676-7447

Dr. Gaétan Filion 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: 87361

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=87361

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Filion. Dr. Filion 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.