Alexandra Lemay Joyal – Physiotherapist | Saint-Hyacinthe, QC

Alexandra Lemay Joyal is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CISSS MONTÉRÉGIE EST in Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Alexandra is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role encompasses addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-surgical conditions, with a focus on helping individuals recover function, improve mobility, and manage symptoms effectively. Alexandra takes pride in assisting patients of all ages, including seniors, to regain independence and enhance their quality of life through tailored physiotherapy interventions.

With a foundation rooted in evidence-based practices, Alexandra specializes in treating conditions such as sports injuries, joint pain, post-operative recoveries, and neurological impairments resulting from stroke, brain injury, or neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and MS. Her approach combines manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to promote optimal healing and functional restoration. Alexandra's dedication to ongoing professional development ensures she remains current with the latest advancements in physiotherapy, allowing her to deliver innovative and effective care to her patients.

Alexandra's practice philosophy emphasizes a collaborative, patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning. She believes that empowering patients with knowledge and tailored strategies fosters better outcomes and long-term health benefits. Fluent in both French and English, Alexandra is able to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations, ensuring clarity and comfort throughout the rehabilitation process.

Alexandra Lemay Joyal provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Evidence-based neurological rehabilitation focused on harnessing neuroplasticity, motor learning principles, and task-specific training to help regain lost skills and adapt to new ways of moving.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Comprehensive assessment of your fall risk factors with individualized interventions, including balance exercises, strength training, gait re-training, and home safety advice to help you prevent falls.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.

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

• Alexandra believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury is hindering your ability to participating fully in your martial arts practice, including sparring, a personalized plan focusing on a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment can make all the difference.
• The path to recovery from dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash and achieving being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury for using garden tools effectively and without pain often starts with expert guidance. Alexandra, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• For those whose feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move has made simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around your neighborhood for fresh air seem like a distant memory, Alexandra's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around your neighborhood for fresh air with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Alexandra practices at CISSS MONTÉRÉGIE EST, situated in a modern clinic located in the heart of the central Saint-Hyacinthe neighborhood of Saint-Hyacinthe. This public healthcare facility offers accessible services with a convenient location close to various community services and pharmacies. It is easily reachable via local public transit routes, making it simple for patients to attend their appointments. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 use private insurance for these services. However, care received within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if specific criteria are met. It is essential to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage details.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might cause temporary discomfort or soreness, treatment should not be excessively painful. Your Physiothérapeute will communicate expected sensations and adjust techniques to ensure your comfort while achieving therapeutic benefits. Maintaining open communication about your comfort level is very important.

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, diagnoses, and create treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, implementing prescribed treatments and guiding exercises without diagnosing or independently planning treatments. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CISSS MONTÉRÉGIE EST treat?

They treat a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-surgical conditions, including sports injuries, joint pain, post-operative recoveries, neurological impairments, and chronic pain. Commonly addressed issues include back and neck pain, joint arthritis, post-surgical rehabilitation, and nerve-related conditions. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, patient education, and functional retraining.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is an essential part of most physiotherapy treatments. Your Physiothérapeute will prescribe exercises tailored to your needs to support your recovery and enable effective self-management between sessions.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first visit will include a detailed evaluation, discussing your symptoms, medical history, and goals. A physical assessment will then be performed to identify the cause of your issues. Based on this, your Physiothérapeute will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set goals, and outline a treatment plan, which may include education, exercises, or hands-on therapy.

CISSS MONTÉRÉGIE EST
1800, Rue Dessaulles
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2T2

Phone: (450) 771-3333

Alexandra Lemay Joyal 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.