Samuel Saint-Onge – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Samuel Saint-Onge is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CHU de Québec (Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement) in Québec, QC, Samuel is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). His approach focuses on understanding each patient's unique needs, fostering a supportive environment that encourages active participation in their recovery journey. Samuel believes in empowering his patients through education and personalized treatment plans, ensuring they are well-informed and confident in managing their health.
Samuel's physiotherapy practice encompasses a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions. He specializes in addressing issues related to muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments, providing care for acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic conditions like arthritis and ongoing pain management. His expertise extends to post-operative rehabilitation, helping patients regain strength and mobility after surgeries. Additionally, Samuel has a particular interest in sports physiotherapy, working with athletes of all levels—recreational to elite—to optimize performance, prevent injuries, and facilitate safe return to activity. His comprehensive, goal-oriented approach aims to restore function and improve quality of life for all his patients, including older children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.
With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Samuel completed his degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience. He has cultivated skills and a special interest in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy as well as sports physiotherapy. His practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Samuel advocates for preventative care and long-term wellness, promoting proactive physiotherapy to support the health of the Québec community. He is fluent in French, ensuring effective communication and personalized care for his diverse patient population.

Samuel Saint-Onge provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.

Arthritis

• 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.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• 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): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.

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

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Orthopedic Bracing & Support Consultation/Fitting: Providing customized or appropriately sized bracing solutions to protect injured areas, limit harmful movements, reduce pain, and support your return to function or sport.
• Therapeutic & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid): Taping strategies implemented by your Physiotherapist to aid in injury management, provide stability during activity, offload sensitive tissues, and promote optimal biomechanics.
• 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.
• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription (if offered/certified): Assessment for and provision of custom orthotics to help manage lower limb conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, Achilles tendinopathy, or leg length discrepancies.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Samuel. 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 CHU de Québec (Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Samuel frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems and achieved a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties under the skilled care of Samuel. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as participating in community events and social gatherings more actively with a new lease on life.
• It's truly rewarding for Samuel to witness patients conquer needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity and experience implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in managing your personal care routines independently again.
• Living with difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy doesn't have to be your norm. Samuel applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began, 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 Samuel, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Samuel practices at the CHU de Québec (Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement), situated in a central Québec neighborhood. The clinic is located within a well-equipped healthcare facility that is easily accessible by public transit, making it convenient for patients coming from various parts of the city. The hospital is situated close to local community services and pharmacies, ensuring that patients can easily access additional support if needed. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 typically pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plans for coverage details.

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. It is recommended to contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Typically, you should check your annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, whether a doctor’s referral is required, and if the clinic can bill your insurer directly. If direct billing is available and permitted by your plan, Samuel can often bill your insurer directly, leaving you responsible only for any remaining co-payment or balance. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This varies depending on your condition and goals. After an initial assessment, Samuel will provide an estimate of the number of sessions needed and the frequency of visits. Regular progress evaluations will ensure your treatment plan is adjusted as you improve.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a referral, known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It’s advisable to check your insurance policy before your first visit.

Is there parking available at or near CHU de Québec (Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement)?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for designated patient spots. Additional street parking is generally available nearby, and paid parking options are also accessible in the vicinity. Please check local signage for restrictions.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute holds a university master’s degree and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, and create treatment plans. They work independently and are responsible for patient management. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, assisting with prescribed treatments, exercises, and monitoring progress. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec.

CHU de Québec (Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement)
1050, Chemin Sainte-Foy
Québec, QC G1S 4L8

Phone: (418) 525-4444

Samuel Saint-Onge 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.