Ariel Desjardins Charbonneau

Occupation:
Physiotherapist
Main clinic:
Physioactive Montreal
Pronoun:
He

Ariel Desjardins Charbonneau

in a nutshell

"There is always hope for improvement"

This is my mantra, and it's what has motivated the last 12 years of my professional life, where I've dedicated over 1000 hours to continuing my education after my master's degree in physiotherapy.

This has led me to complete a Fellowship in Manual Therapy (FCAMPT), be part of a research team and publish articles, teach at the university, and present at numerous conferences.

You'll get along well with me if:

  • You're curious and like to understand what's going on
  • You're open to trying something new
  • You like food, wine, and physical activity

I have a particular interest in:

  • Complex and chronic pain, no matter where it is in the body
  • Injuries related to canoeing, kayaking, and skiing, which are the sports I love and practice.

Get to know Guillaume

What has your career path been like?
There are 2 things in life that give me infinite energy: learning and feeling useful. I also like being close to people.

This combination made physiotherapy a perfect fit for me, but I had no idea what physiotherapy was before starting university, and even after my master's degree, it wasn't 100% clear what my daily life would look like. It was really in my first weeks of work that I discovered that the guidance counselor I spoke with at the end of my final year of high school had really identified my interests and skills, much better than I would have myself.

I took a gap year after my CEGEP (pre-university college) in science to… study! I completed a one-year program in my other passion: the outdoors. So, for pleasure, I studied to become an adventure tourism guide at CEGEP St-Laurent to clear my head before university. One year after finishing my master's degree, I began assisting professors in physiotherapy labs, initially with students starting their bachelor's degree. Now, I'm a teaching assistant in the master's program. For the past 3 years, I've been the main instructor for the pain course, the most important course in the program… in my opinion.

Since then, I've completed my Fellowship (levels 1 to 5) in manual therapy and become a senior associate at Physioactif clinics. After all these years, I'm still just as passionate and have the same thirst for learning as I did at the beginning.

Continuing education?
  • Explaining pain and the 'neuromatrix' approach to chronic pain, Lorimer Moseley (March, 2005)
  • Complex regional pain syndrome, Lorimer Moseley (October, 2006)
  • Explaining and understanding pain, Lorimer Moseley (April, 2008)
  • Mental health issues associated with musculoskeletal conditions: implications for a physiotherapist, Michael Sullivan (January, 2012)
  • FCAMPT, (2012)
  • Sub-classification & clinical prediction rules for neuromuscular rehab, Sean Gibbons (November, 2012)
  • Primitive reflexes changing the brain for movement, pain and function: assessment and rehabilitation of primitive reflexes & influencing motor control, tone & pain, Sean Gibbons (November, 2012)
  • Proprioceptive sensory motor training, Sean Gibbons (November, 2012)
  • Highlighting psychosocial risk factors in physiotherapy practice, Michael Sullivan (April, 2013)
  • Integrating brain and pain sciences into our clinical approach, Lorimer Moseley (May, 2013)
  • Sub-classification & clinical prediction rules for neuromuscular rehab, Sean Gibbons (October, 2013)
  • Forearm & hand: movement analysis, sub-classification & neuromuscular retraining, Sean Gibbons (October, 2013)
  • Lower quadrant: movement analysis, sub-classification & neuromuscular retraining for functional movement control, Sean Gibbons (October, 2013)
  • Sub-classification & clinical prediction rules for neuromuscular rehab, Sean Gibbons (February, 2014)
  • Shoulder girdle movement analysis, sub-classification & neuromuscular retraining for functional movement control, Sean Gibbons (February, 2014)
  • Movement analysis, sub-classification & neuromuscular retraining for functional movement control, Sean Gibbons (February, 2014)
  • Sub-classification & clinical prediction rules for neuromuscular rehab, Sean Gibbons (September, 2014)
  • Body image, midline and central pain presentation evidence based diagnosis and treatment, Sean Gibbons (September, 2014)
  • Sub-classification & clinical prediction rules for neuromuscular rehab, Sean Gibbons (January, 2015)
  • Thorax spine & breathing retraining: movement analysis, sub-classification & neuromuscular retraining, Sean Gibbons (January, 2015)
  • Cervical spine movement analysis, sub-classification & neuromuscular retraining for functional movement control, Sean Gibbons (January, 2015)
  • Differential diagnosis in orthopedic physiotherapy, Chad Cook (April, 2015)
  • Sub-classification & clinical prediction rules for neuromuscular rehab, Sean Gibbons (November, 2015)
  • Lumbar Course, Sean Gibbons (November, 2015)
  • PsyMontreal, Jean-Marc Assad (January, 2016)
  • The Cervical Region Based on Scientific Evidence, Chad Cook (November, 2016)
  • Sub-classification & Clinical Prediction Rules for Neuromuscular Rehab, Sean Gibbons (February, 2016)
  • Primitive Reflexes, Sean Gibbons (February, 2016)
  • Proprioceptive Sensory Motor Training, Sean Gibbons (February, 2016)
  • Sub-classification & Clinical Prediction Rules for Neuromuscular Rehab, Sean Gibbons (October, 2016)
  • SIJ & Hip Force Closure, Movement Analysis, & Specific Motor Control Retraining, Sean Gibbons (October, 2016)
  • Temporomandibular Dysfunction: Movement Analysis, Sub-classification & Neuromuscular Retraining for Functional Movement Control, Sean Gibbons (October, 2016)
  • Sub-classification & Clinical Prediction Rules for Neuromuscular Rehab, Sean Gibbons (February, 2017)
  • Shoulder Girdle, Forearm & Hand Movement Analysis, Sub-classification & Neuromuscular Retraining for Functional Movement Control, Sean Gibbons (February, 2017)
  • Which Clients Are Most at Risk of Delayed Healing Following an Injury? Michael Sullivan (March, 2017)
  • Sub-classification & Clinical Prediction Rules for Neuromuscular Rehab, Sean Gibbons (October, 2017)
  • Hip & Lower Limb: Movement Analysis, Sub-classification & Neuromuscular Retraining, Sean Gibbons (October, 2017)
  • Cervical Spine: Movement Analysis, Sub-classification & Neuromuscular Retraining, Sean Gibbons (October, 2017)
  • Sub-classification & Clinical Prediction Rules for Neuromuscular Rehab, Sean Gibbons (February, 2018)
  • Central Sensitization, Body Image, Midline & Motor Skill Learning: Evidence Based Diagnosis & Treatment, Sean Gibbons (February, 2018)
  • The Neuromeningeal System and its Interfaces, Sylvain St-Amour and Ariel Desjardins-Charbonneau (May, 2018)
  • Sub-classification & Clinical Prediction Rules for Neuromuscular Rehab, Sean Gibbons (September, 2018)
  • Movement Analysis, Sub-classification & Neuromuscular Retraining for Functional Movement and Translation Control of the Lumbar Spine & Pelvis, Sean Gibbons (September, 2018)
  • Sub-classification & Clinical Prediction Rules for Neuromuscular Rehab, Sean Gibbons (February, 2019)
  • Neurodynamic Treatment with Motor Control Retraining: Neck and Upper Quadrant – Trunk and Lower Quadrant, Sean Gibbons (February, 2019)
  • Sub-classification & Clinical Prediction Rules for Neuromuscular Rehab, Sean Gibbons (November, 2019)
  • Cervical Spine and TMJ Movement Analysis, Sub-classification & Neuromuscular Retraining, Sean Gibbons (November, 2019)
  • Sub-classification & Clinical Prediction Rules for Neuromuscular Rehab, Sean Gibbons (February, 2020)
  • Shoulder girdle & forearm: movement analysis, sub-classification & neuromuscular retraining for functional movement control, Sean Gibbons (February, 2020)
  • The neuromeningeal system and its interfaces, Sylvain St-Amour and Ariel Desjardins-Charbonneau (November, 2020)
  • Advanced clinical reasoning for the neuromeningeal system, Sylvain St-Amour and Ariel Desjardins-Charbonneau (May, 2021)
  • New basic training in motivational interviewing, INSPQ (May, 2021)
  • Advanced Concussion; Body Image and Midline Presentations, Sean Gibbons (November, 2021)
  • SIJ; Hip & Lower Limb: Movement analysis; Sub-classification; Neuromuscular Retraining for Functional Movement Control, Sean Gibbons (May, 2022)
  • Shoulder Girdle; Forearm and Hand: Movement and Loading Analysis for Motor Behavior Therapy, Sean Gibbons (October, 2022)
  • Cervical Spine & Temporo-mandibular Joint: Loading Analysis for Motor Behavior Therapy, Sean Gibbons (April, 2023)
What do you find most rewarding about your job?

I love seeing my patients' reactions when I feel they truly understand what they have and how we can treat it together. I enjoy teaching as much as learning.

My fondest memory is a patient who told me, "Thank you, Ariel, you've restored my confidence in my body. It's something that had been gone for years." At the end of the day, that's my real reward.

What sports do you play?

I've been biking year-round for about 10 years. My favorite sports are off-piste skiing and whitewater canoeing. Otherwise, I'm a social athlete; I'll do any sporting activity if it means being with my friends.

Have you ever been injured?

Everywhere and nowhere at the same time, I always have minor aches and pains, but no major injuries. Except maybe once at the cottage... a crazy carpet accident gave me a solid concussion.

Three funny facts about you
  • In 2017, I went on an expedition in the Far North of Quebec to map a river that had never been descended before.
  • I've been baking my own bread for 3 years.
  • I'm colorblind.

Services offered by Guillaume

We offer a full range of healthcare services tailored to your individual needs. Whether you’re seeking treatment for a specific condition or looking to maintain your overall well-being, we’re here to help.

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Stiffness, rigidity, or loss of mobility

In most cases, a blockage or stiffness doesn't originate solely from the area where you feel the limitation. It could be due to joint irritation, a protective muscle spasm, or a mechanical restriction that prevents normal movement.

Simply treating the pain or 'forcing' movement doesn't solve the problem. At Physioactif, our approach is to precisely identify the underlying structure and restore effective movement starting from the very first sessions.

Common reasons for seeking medical advice
Nerve pain and numbness

Numbness or nerve pain doesn't always originate solely from the area where symptoms appear. The problem might be related to nerve irritation or compression in the spine, or elsewhere along its peripheral path.

The assessment helps precisely identify the symptom's origin and use tailored techniques, such as neurodynamic mobilization, to improve the nerve's tolerance to movement and reduce radiating pain.

Common reasons for seeking medical advice
Comprehensive evaluation and second opinion

It is common to have received several different explanations or not to have found a satisfactory answer to a persistent problem. A thorough evaluation allows for a structured review of the case and an analysis of elements often overlooked during initial consultations.

At Physioactif, the evaluation aims to establish precise clinical reasoning, validate or invalidate certain hypotheses, and propose a clear direction based on your actual situation.

Common reasons for seeking medical advice
Persistent (chronic) pain

Chronic pain is rarely linked to a single factor. It can involve mechanical and nervous components, and even an increased sensitivity of the system to pain. This is often why passive or overly general treatments yield few lasting results.

At Physioactif, the approach involves analyzing all the factors that maintain pain and gradually reintroducing adapted movements and loads to desensitize the system and improve function.

Common reasons for seeking medical advice
Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation

Rehabilitation doesn't start after surgery, but well before. Good preparation helps improve mobility, strength, and understanding of exercises, which greatly facilitates post-operative recovery.

After the procedure, the goal is to gradually restore movement, protect healing structures, and regain the abilities needed for your activities without compromising the surgical results.

Common reasons for seeking medical advice
Sports injuries

Sports-related pain doesn't just come from a single injury; it often results from repeated stress that the body struggles to tolerate. Continuing to train without addressing the cause increases the risk of recurrence.

The assessment helps identify the underlying issues, whether related to mobility, strength, or control. Treatment then focuses on reducing pain, correcting deficiencies, and preparing for a gradual return to sports.

Areas of expertise in physical therapy
SAAQ Program (Traffic Accidents)

Accident-related injuries can affect the neck, back, or nervous system, even if symptoms initially seem mild.

An assessment helps identify the affected structures and establish a tailored treatment plan recognized by the SAAQ to promote full recovery.

Access to healthcare and reimbursement
CNESST Program (Workplace Accidents)

Work-related injuries can be mechanical, muscular, or caused by repetitive movements.

The assessment helps us understand the specific demands of your job and tailor treatment to ensure a safe and lasting return to work under the CNESST program.

Access to healthcare and reimbursement
IVAC Program (Criminal Offenses)

The physical consequences of a criminal act can include muscle pain, stiffness, or more complex injuries.

The goal is to precisely assess your condition and implement a progressive treatment that respects your recovery pace and the requirements of the IVAC program.

Access to healthcare and reimbursement
Veterans Program

Injuries in veterans are often complex and can affect multiple systems, such as joints, muscles, or the nervous system.

Our approach aims to precisely understand your condition and provide structured treatment that meets program requirements while supporting a gradual return to your activities.

Access to healthcare and reimbursement

Techniques mastered by Guillaume

McKenzie Approach

The McKenzie Approach is a globally recognized assessment and treatment method, particularly effective for back problems. This approach equips you with the tools to independently manage and prevent your pain.

Mulligan Approach

The globally recognized Mulligan approach combines active movement and mobilization to deliver immediate results. This unique technique restores joint function without pain, even in cases where other approaches have failed.

Teaching about the condition

Knowledge is the key to a successful recovery. Our educational approach helps you better understand your pain and gives you the tools you need to actively participate in your recovery and prevent future episodes.

Workplace Assessment

An ill-suited workstation can cause strain and pain that affect your productivity. Our professional ergonomic assessment identifies the adjustments needed to create a comfortable and efficient workspace.

Strength and Endurance Exercises

A personalized exercise program is the key to achieving your strength and endurance goals. Our expertise in designing tailored programs allows you to progress safely while taking your abilities and lifestyle into account.

Exercises for stabilizing muscles

Weak stabilizing muscles can cause pain during prolonged periods of standing or sitting, or even during simple movements. Core exercises are often taught incorrectly, which can hinder your progress. Our specialized approach activates these essential deep muscles, creating a solid foundation for all your movements and daily activities.

FCAMPT

Complex musculoskeletal conditions require in-depth expertise for accurate diagnosis and treatment. FCAMPT certification represents the highest level of training in manual therapy in Canada, ensuring specialized care based on the latest evidence.

Joint mobilization and manipulation

Joint pain and stiffness can significantly limit your daily activities. Our physical therapists use specialized joint mobilization and manipulation techniques to restore your joints’ natural range of motion and reduce your pain.

Posture

Poor posture can be the cause of many everyday aches and pains. Our approach combines precise postural analysis with practical solutions to improve your natural alignment and prevent chronic muscle tension.

Movement Rehabilitation

Always moving in the same way can lead to injuries because repetitive movements eventually overburden the same parts of your body. Our approach analyzes and precisely corrects your movement patterns to restore biomechanics that won’t cause microtrauma.

Taping

Therapeutic taping is a versatile technique that uses various types of adhesive tape to relieve pain and improve joint stability. Among our approaches, we use the McConnell method, which is recognized for its effectiveness in biomechanical correction and the treatment of joint pain.

Telerehabilitation

Tele-physical therapy offers the flexibility of professional care from the comfort of your own home. No matter where you are in the world, you can benefit from our unique expertise. This modern solution provides effective, personalized care tailored to your schedule, while maintaining the highest quality of care.

Contact Guillaume Lamothe

If you have any questions or would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Make an appointment now

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