Tena Handfield – Physiotherapist | Westmount, QC

Tena Handfield is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Action Sport Physio (Centre-Ville) in Westmount, QC, Tena is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). With a focus on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, Tena provides comprehensive assessments and tailored treatment plans. Her approach encompasses everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and post-operative rehabilitation. She specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, helping athletes of all levels—from recreational to elite—return safely to their sport, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries.

Serving a diverse patient population, Tena offers care to older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors. Her goal is to empower her patients through education and active participation in their recovery process, ensuring that each individual achieves their personal health and functional goals. Her compassionate and evidence-based approach ensures that patients receive effective, safe, and personalized physiotherapy interventions tailored to their unique needs and lifestyles.

Educated with a comprehensive background in physiotherapy, Tena completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated significant clinical experience. She is committed to continuous professional development, staying current with the latest research and techniques in Orthopedic, Musculoskeletal, and Sports Physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy emphasizes collaboration, active engagement, and a patient-centered approach, working closely with each individual to help them regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall well-being. Tena is fluent in English and French, facilitating clear communication and culturally sensitive care for her diverse patient base.

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

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Sports Performance Enhancement & Injury Prevention: Physiotherapy interventions aimed at helping you reach your athletic potential by addressing physical limitations, improving power and agility, and implementing evidence-based injury prevention strategies.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy to address persistent concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, and difficulty concentrating or tolerating activity.
• Gait Analysis & Running/Walking Re-training: Expert analysis of your gait with personalized corrective strategies, exercises, and cues to optimize your walking or running form for pain-free movement and enhanced performance or efficiency.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Helping you get back in the game quickly and safely with targeted sports physiotherapy, focusing on restoring strength, agility, and confidence.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Tena. 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 Action Sport Physio (Centre-Ville), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Tena frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Physiotherapy with Tena can be a transformative turning point for those affected by dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women). The shared goal is achieving improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely, paving the way for you to enjoy comfortably cooking and meal prepping for your family and a more active, vibrant life.
• With Tena's help, managing dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash to achieve improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.
• Living with numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs doesn't have to be your norm. Tena applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun.

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

Located in the vibrant Westmount neighborhood, Tena practices at Action Sport Physio (Centre-Ville), a private clinic situated in the heart of the community. The clinic is easily accessible via local public transit routes, with nearby community services and pharmacies making it convenient for patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusive care for all individuals. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby, providing additional convenience for those traveling by car.

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 usually pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance for coverage. Some care received within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if specific criteria are met. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

How can I book an appointment at Action Sport Physio (Centre-Ville)?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (514) 939-1444 during business hours. Many practitioners also offer online booking through the clinic's website. The friendly reception team is happy to assist you in scheduling an appointment that fits your needs and with the appropriate physiotherapist.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly, without a physician's referral, thanks to the concept of direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy details before your first visit to ensure coverage.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for registered physiotherapy services. It is recommended to contact your insurer before your appointment to understand your plan's specifics, such as annual maximums, co-payments, and whether a referral is required for reimbursement. If your plan allows, the clinic may offer direct billing, meaning they can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You should bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing isn't available, you will receive a receipt to submit for reimbursement.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiothérapeute, is a science-based health profession focused on restoring movement and function affected by injury, illness, or disability. It employs techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, education, and advice to help individuals manage their health, reduce pain, and achieve their physical goals.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Technologue en physiothérapie in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnosis, treatment planning, and certain restricted activities. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, focusing on implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress without diagnosing or creating treatment plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Action Sport Physio (Centre-Ville)
4150, Rue Sainte-Catherine O, bureau 400
Westmount, QC H3Z 2Y5

Phone: (514) 939-1444

Tena Handfield 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.