Marie-Pier Saindon – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Marie-Pier Saindon is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at l'Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ in Québec, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by l'Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Marie-Pier focuses on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. Her expertise includes managing acute injuries like sprains and strains, chronic pain conditions, arthritis, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, she offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues, with the goal of reducing symptoms, improving stability, and decreasing fall risk.

With a solid educational background and clinical experience, Marie-Pier has developed a keen interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation. Her ongoing professional development ensures she remains current with the latest evidence-based practices, allowing her to tailor treatments to each patient’s unique needs. Her approach emphasizes collaboration, empowering patients through education and practical self-management strategies to achieve lasting health improvements.

Marie-Pier’s practice philosophy is rooted in a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. She strives to empower her patients by providing clear information about their conditions and effective strategies for self-care. Fluent in French, Marie-Pier is dedicated to offering compassionate support and personalized care to each person she serves, fostering a welcoming and respectful environment for recovery and wellness.

Marie-Pier Saindon provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.

Neurological

• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Movement therapy designed by a Neuro Physiotherapist to address common Parkinson's symptoms like bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity (stiffness), postural instability (balance problems), freezing of gait, and tremors.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy addressing physical impairments following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or acquired brain injury (ABI), including issues with balance, coordination, strength, mobility, spasticity, endurance, and cognitive-physical integration.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurological rehabilitation provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to help individuals regain independence, maximize their recovery potential, and adapt to any residual impairments following a stroke.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Individualized exercise programs (e.g., strength, aerobic, balance, flexibility), energy conservation techniques, and compensatory strategies tailored by a Neuro Physiotherapist for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

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

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Marie-Pier. 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 l'Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marie-Pier frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to taking energetic, long walks with your dog every day without the constant burden of needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity. Marie-Pier focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• With Marie-Pier's help, managing trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain to achieve feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.
• Patients often come to Marie-Pier feeling defeated by experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved performance in work-related physical demands and resuming standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Marie-Pier practices at the Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ, situated in a central Québec neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access a comprehensive network of support. The clinic is accessible via various public transit routes, ensuring ease of travel for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiothérapeute will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiothérapeute may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy is typically not included. Patients are advised to verify their specific eligibility with RAMQ and to check their private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for private physiotherapy services.

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, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check the requirements of your insurance policy before your appointment to ensure coverage.

Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ
525, Boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel
Québec, QC G1M 2S8

Phone: (418) 529-9141

Marie-Pier Saindon 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.