Tania Cristofaro – Physiotherapist | Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC

Tania Cristofaro is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at CIUSSS Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal / Hôpital Sainte-Anne in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Tania is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her approach emphasizes compassionate, individualized treatment plans that respect each person's unique health journey, especially focusing on the specific needs of older adults.

Specializing in Geriatric Physiotherapy and balance rehabilitation, Tania aims to support seniors in maintaining and improving their mobility, strength, and independence. Her expertise includes managing age-related conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and fall risk reduction. She also offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues, striving to reduce symptoms and enhance stability for her patients.

With a solid foundation in physiotherapy, Tania completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience. She is deeply committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring her practices are evidence-based and tailored to her patients’ evolving needs. Fluent in both English and French, Tania works collaboratively with her patients to achieve their health and movement goals, fostering a supportive environment for healing and well-being.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.

Geriatric

• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Combating the effects of inactivity and the aging process to help prevent or manage frailty, maintain mobility, and improve overall autonomy and quality of life in seniors.
• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Addressing specific mobility challenges to enhance safety, reduce fall risk, and improve participation in life activities for older adults.

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.

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

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Comprehensive strategies developed with your Physiotherapist to help you understand and live better with chronic pain, focusing on improving function, reducing pain's impact, and enhancing self-efficacy rather than solely on pain elimination.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Improving daily function, energy levels, and reducing pain sensitivity for individuals with fibromyalgia through a carefully progressed and individualized physiotherapy plan.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Tania. 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 CIUSSS Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal / Hôpital Sainte-Anne, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Tania frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• When trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace, physiotherapy with Tania can help you work towards improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Tania's clinic, common concerns like recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like peacefully paddling your kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• Physiotherapy with Tania can be a transformative turning point for those affected by that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit. The shared goal is achieving feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day, paving the way for you to enjoy enduring your daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Tania's practice is located within the CIUSSS Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal / Hôpital Sainte-Anne, situated in the central Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue neighborhood of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC. The clinic is housed within a public healthcare facility that is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care in one location. The facility is well-connected by local public transit routes, ensuring accessible options for patients traveling from various parts of the community. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiothérapeute 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.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

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, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to see a physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to verify their insurance policy's requirements before their first appointment.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private outpatient physiotherapy is typically not reimbursed by RAMQ. It is recommended to check with RAMQ and your private insurer for coverage details.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CIUSSS Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal / Hôpital Sainte-Anne treat?

Our Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues such as back and neck pain, joint problems like arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, nerve pain, and balance disorders. With specialized skills in Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health and Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation, Tania and her colleagues help patients regain mobility, reduce fall risk, and improve overall quality of life through tailored treatment plans that often incorporate manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education.

CIUSSS Ouest-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal / Hôpital Sainte-Anne
305, Boulevard des Anciens-Combattants
Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 1Y9

Phone: (514) 457-3440

Tania Cristofaro 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.