Claudine Farah

Profession:
Physiotherapist
Main clinic:
Physioactif Chomedey
Pronoun:
She

Claudine Farah

In a few words

"There are no problems, only solutions."

This quote has followed me throughout my life, both personally and professionally. Rather than focusing on the problem, it has taught me to look for possible solutions. It is this mindset that has driven me to pursue several continuing education courses, obtain a Fellowship in Manual Therapy (FCAMPT), present at conferences, and even teach other physiotherapists.

Why?
Because I'm passionate about helping my patients quickly get back to the activities they love. My goal is to help them understand what they're experiencing and give them the best tools to regain their independence.

You'll get along well with me if:

  • You like understanding what's happening in your body.
  • You enjoy physical activity or simply discussing sports (bonus points if it's basketball!).
  • You enjoy good food and a good glass of wine.
  • You like to laugh.

P.S. My laugh can be a little loud sometimes...

I have a particular interest in:

  • Headaches, facial pain, and jaw-related pain
  • Concussions
  • Persistent or unexplained pain, even after trying several approaches
  • “Funky” or unusual pain
  • Pain related to all types of sports
    (I am trained and certified in running injury prevention by La Clinique du Coureur.)
What has been your professional background?

When I was 14, I injured my leg playing basketball. I developed shin splints that prevented me from running and jumping.

I consulted a physiotherapist, and that's where I had my first experience with physiotherapy. I made a 100% recovery and was able to start playing basketball again without pain. From that moment on, I knew that's what I wanted to do with my life: help people with pain and injuries to resume the activities they love without limitations. My idea never changed... and my pain never came back!

I graduated from the University of Montreal in 2013 and have been working in a private clinic in Laval ever since.

I have also covered several sporting events as a physiotherapist, including the Jeux du Québec.

I have also followed AAA soccer and basketball teams.

Continuing education?
  • Levels 1 to 5 in manual therapy
  • Several courses on neuromuscular control with Sean Gibbons from SMARTERehab group: lumbar region, pelvis, cervical, jaw (TMJ), shoulder, upper limb, neurodynamic treatment and motor control.
  • Training on nerve treatment: the neuromeningeal system and its interfaces, advanced clinical reflection for the neuromeningeal system
  • Certified in running injury prevention and recognized by La Clinique du Coureur
  • Certified Sports First Responder
  • Training on the complete management of concussions by Complete Concussion Management (CCMI)


  • Temporomandibular joint: Basic training in the evaluation and treatment of the TMJ in physiotherapy (2018)
  • Vestibular rehabilitation in physiotherapy: Basic training (2021)
  • FCAMPT (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)
  • Thoracic Spine: Movement & Loading Analysis for Motor Behavior Therapy, Sean Gibbons (November 2023)
  • Helping people with complex lower back pain (2023)
  • The Lumbar Spine: Movement & Loading Analysis for Motor Behavior Therapy, Sean Gibbons (October, 2024)
  • The neuromeningeal system in musculoskeletal problems: assessment, exercises, and treatment - 1.0 (date not specified)
  • Mastering psychosocial challenges in physiotherapy, trainer (date not specified)
  • Headache and Orofacial Pain (date not specified)
What are you passionate about in your profession?

What I'm passionate about is being able to support and help my patients so they can get back to the activities they love as quickly as possible, while focusing on injury prevention. It's about helping my patients understand what's wrong and giving them all the tools they need to fix their problem.

What sports activities do you practice?
  • Running
  • Basketball
  • Flag football
  • Weight training
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Cycling
  • Alpine skiing
Have you ever been injured?

I've had shin splints and ankle sprains playing basketball. In 2019, I had nerve pain in my leg a few weeks before my first marathon, which prevented me from running. Unfortunately, I had to change my distance to a half-marathon. Despite being a physio, I can still get injured. Fortunately, I have amazing physio colleagues who allowed me to run again within a few weeks!

Three fun facts about you
  • I coached basketball teams in a high school for 11 years.
  • I have followed several sports teams (AAA and semi-pro soccer, Division 1 college basketball) and covered many sporting events as a physiotherapist.
  • I have completed several half-marathons.
  • My first student job was as a recreation leader in a long-term care facility.

Services offered by Guillaume

We offer a comprehensive range of health services to meet your individual needs. Whether for a specific treatment or to maintain your general well-being, we are here to help you.

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Blockage, stiffness, 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 consultation
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 consultation
In-depth 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 consultation
Persistent pain (chronic)

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 consultation
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 consultation
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 physiotherapy expertise
Running analysis and biomechanics

An inefficient running technique can overload certain structures and lead to pain. These issues are not always noticeable without analysis.

Biomechanical assessment allows us to observe your running pattern, identify limitations, and make precise adjustments. The goal is to optimize movement while reducing stress on the body.

Areas of physiotherapy expertise
SAAQ Program (road 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 care and reimbursements
CNESST Program (work 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 care and reimbursements
IVAC Program (criminal acts)

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 care and reimbursements
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 care and reimbursements

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

Education on the condition

Knowledge is key to a successful recovery. Our educational approach allows you to better understand your pain problem and gives you the necessary tools to actively participate in your recovery and prevent recurrences.

Workstation assessment

A poorly set up workstation can cause tension and pain that affects your productivity. Our professional ergonomic assessment identifies the necessary adjustments to create a comfortable and efficient workspace.

Muscle strengthening and endurance exercises

A personalized exercise program is key to achieving your strength and endurance goals. Our expertise in designing customized programs allows you to progress safely while respecting your abilities and lifestyle.

Stabilizing muscle exercises

Weak stabilizing muscles can lead to pain during prolonged postures or everyday movements. Core exercises are often taught incorrectly, hindering 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. The FCAMPT certification represents the highest level of training in manual therapy in Canada, guaranteeing specialized care based on the latest evidence.

Joint mobilizations and manipulations

Joint pain and stiffness can significantly limit your daily life. Our physiotherapists use specialized joint mobilization and manipulation techniques to restore the natural movement of your joints and reduce your pain.

Posture

Poor posture can be the source of many daily aches and discomforts. Our approach combines precise postural analysis and practical solutions to improve your natural alignment and prevent chronic muscle tension.

Movement re-education

Always moving in the same way can create injuries because repetitive movements end up overloading the same structures in your body. Our approach precisely analyzes and corrects your movement patterns to restore biomechanics that will not create microtrauma.

Taping

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

Telerehabilitation

Tele-physio offers the flexibility of professional care from your home. No matter where you are in the world, you can benefit from our unique expertise. This modern solution allows for effective and personalized follow-up, adapted to your schedule, while maintaining the quality of care.

Neurodevelopmental Therapy and Primitive Reflexes

Primitive reflexes that persist into adulthood can disrupt your balance, coordination, and posture, leading to tension and chronic pain. Our specialized approach targets these primitive motor patterns to restore more mature and efficient movements. These treatments are recommended for persistent pain.

Nerve treatment

We are the pioneers in Quebec in nerve treatment. We know that symptoms of nerve compression, such as tingling, numbness, or burning pain, can disrupt your sleep and quality of life. Our specialized nerve treatment techniques precisely target these sensitive structures to reduce irritation and restore their proper function.

Contact Guillaume Lamothe

If you have any questions or require more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Book an appointment now

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