Raisa Chowdhury – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Raisa Chowdhury is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Centre Medical et de Readaptation AMS in Montréal, QC, Raisa 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. Raisa also provides specialized assessment and treatment for jaw pain (TMJ/TMD), orofacial pain, and various types of headaches (e.g., cervicogenic, tension-type) that have a musculoskeletal component.

Raisa serves patients of all ages, from infants and young children through to adults and seniors, ensuring personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs. Her approach emphasizes holistic care, incorporating evidence-based techniques to optimize recovery and function. Raisa is known for her compassionate manner, fostering a welcoming environment where patients feel supported and empowered in their healing journey.

With a strong foundation in physiotherapy principles, Raisa completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated extensive clinical experience. She is deeply committed to ongoing professional development, staying current with the latest research and treatment modalities. Raisa has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as TMJ, Headache, and Orofacial Pain Physiotherapy, allowing her to offer comprehensive care for complex conditions.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• 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.

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

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Raisa. 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 Centre Medical et de Readaptation AMS, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Raisa frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Are you finding that difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain stops you from enjoying pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty? Raisa is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Raisa believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) is hindering your ability to performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching your back, a personalized plan focusing on building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury can make all the difference.
• Many individuals seek help from Raisa, their physiotherapist, when trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.

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

Raisa practices at Centre Medical et de Readaptation AMS, situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. It is well-connected by public transit routes, ensuring a smooth journey for those coming from various parts of the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Raisa may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan permits it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt for your insurer.

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

In general, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy usually is not. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance coverage for comprehensive support.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to initiate treatment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy details before your appointment.

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 treatment plans independently. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They support physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress.

Centre Medical et de Readaptation AMS
5950, Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, bureau 240
Montréal, QC H3S 1Z6

Phone: (514) 600-4421

Raisa Chowdhury 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.