Marie-Claire Chretien

Marie-Claire Chretien provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Improving safety, function, and quality of life for those with impaired sensation or strength due to various types of peripheral neuropathy.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Addressing conditions affecting nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, aiming to relieve pressure on the nerve, reduce inflammation, restore normal nerve function, and alleviate symptoms.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Effective virtual physiotherapy care to help you manage your condition, progress your rehabilitation, and receive professional advice when in-person visits are challenging or not preferred.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Marie-Claire. 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 CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (GMF Samuel-de-Champlain) CLSC, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marie-Claire frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients struggling with that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work can find dedicated and compassionate support from Marie-Claire. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as maintaining your balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• Many individuals seek help from Marie-Claire, their physiotherapist, when hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) and achieved more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand) under the skilled care of Marie-Claire. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter with a new lease on life.

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

Marie-Claire practices at the CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (GMF Samuel-de-Champlain) CLSC, situated in the Quartier DIX30 area of Brossard, QC. The clinic is located in Section L, Section O of this public healthcare facility, which is conveniently positioned near major residential arterial roads. Accessible via the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL), the location is easy to reach by public transit. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly through a process known as "direct access," meaning a referral from a physician is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute. However, while a doctor's referral may not be necessary for initial assessment and treatment, some private or extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to verify the specific requirements of their insurance policies before their first appointment to ensure coverage.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. It is recommended to contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your specific benefits. Key details to inquire about include your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor’s referral is needed for reimbursement, and if the clinic can bill your insurer directly. If direct billing is available and your plan permits, the clinic can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion, and you would pay any remaining balance at the time of service. Always remember to bring your insurance card and relevant policy information to your appointment.

How can I book an appointment at CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (GMF Samuel-de-Champlain) CLSC?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (450) 445-4452 during business hours. Many practitioners also offer online booking via email or through the clinic's website. The friendly reception team will assist you in scheduling a suitable time with the appropriate physiotherapist based on your needs.

Is there parking available at or near CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (GMF Samuel-de-Champlain) CLSC?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside the clinic. Look for designated patient spots. Additionally, metered street parking is generally available on nearby streets, and a paid public parkade is located within a short walking distance. Always check local signage for parking restrictions or time limits.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, allowing them to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop comprehensive treatment plans independently. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments, assisting physiotherapists or physicians by implementing treatment plans, helping patients with exercises, and reporting progress.

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 use private insurance. Coverage may be available in certain public settings or under specific programs, but for most private outpatient physiotherapy, individuals rely on private insurance plans. It is strongly recommended to verify eligibility and coverage details directly with RAMQ and your insurance provider.

CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (GMF Samuel-de-Champlain) CLSC
5811, Boulevard Taschereau, # 100
Brossard, QC J4Z 1A5

Phone: (450) 445-4452 | Website: Marie-Claire.chretien.cisssmc16@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

Marie-Claire Chretien 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.