Julie Préfontaine – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Julie Préfontaine is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at PCN St-Sacrement in Québec, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Julie's approach focuses on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-surgical conditions, aiming to help her patients recover function, improve mobility, and manage symptoms effectively. Her goal is to support individuals of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults—in achieving better health and well-being through personalized physiotherapy interventions.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Julie tailors her treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs. She treats conditions such as acute injuries, chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation, ensuring her patients regain strength and mobility while minimizing discomfort. Julie also specializes in neurological physiotherapy, assisting individuals recovering from stroke, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's Disease, helping them improve their quality of life and independence.

Julie completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that fuels her ongoing professional development. She has developed particular expertise and interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a strong commitment to continuous learning, evidence-based care, and involving patients actively in their treatment planning. Julie is fluent in both English and French, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for a diverse patient population.

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

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.

Peripheral Nerve

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Addressing the physical consequences of nerve damage in the limbs through targeted exercises (e.g., for balance, strength, desensitization), sensory re-education, and advice on appropriate footwear or assistive devices.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Comprehensive physiotherapy programs designed to maximize quality of life and functional abilities for individuals with conditions like stroke (CVA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, traumatic or acquired brain injury (TBI/ABI), or incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Julie. 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 PCN St-Sacrement, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Julie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from Julie, their physiotherapist, when awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• Many find that needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity significantly impacts their ability to challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing. Julie helps patients target more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand) with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Don't let general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden dictate what you can and cannot do. Julie offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces, helping you reclaim carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Julie practices at PCN St-Sacrement, situated in a modern clinic in the central neighborhood of Québec. The location is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is well-connected by public transit routes, allowing easy arrival from various parts of the city. Our facility is wheelchair accessible, and free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby, ensuring a hassle-free visit for all patients.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) 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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiothérapeute can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, it is important to check with your private or extended health insurance provider, as some plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. While a referral is not legally necessary for initial assessment and treatment, having one may be beneficial depending on your insurance coverage.

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 through private insurance plans. Care received in public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is advisable to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan to understand your coverage options.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments usually last between 45 to 60 minutes, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation and discussion. Follow-up sessions are generally shorter, lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your specific needs, condition complexity, and treatment goals.

PCN St-Sacrement
1200, Rue des Soeurs-du-Bon-Pasteur, suite 320
Québec, QC G1S 0B1

Phone: (418) 914-3516 | Website: pcnstsacrement@pcnphysio.com

Julie Préfontaine 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.