Amélie Caouette – Physiotherapist | Shawinigan, QC

Amélie Caouette is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at PhysioNovA in Shawinigan, 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). Amélie takes a compassionate approach, understanding that each patient’s journey is unique, and she strives to create a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to take an active role in their recovery.

Amélie’s physiotherapy focus encompasses addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. Her expertise includes managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. She specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, tailoring care plans to help athletes of all levels—from recreational to elite—return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Amélie serves patients of all ages, including older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, ensuring comprehensive support across the lifespan.

With a background rooted in ongoing professional development, Amélie has developed particular interests in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Sports Physiotherapy. She holds a degree in Physiotherapy and continuously updates her skills through evidence-based practices. Her practice philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Amélie is fluent in French and English, ensuring she can communicate effectively with a diverse range of patients and provide personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs.

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

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.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, cognitive difficulties ('brain fog', memory issues), fatigue, and emotional changes. Post-Concussion Syndrome refers to symptoms persisting beyond the typical recovery window.

Arthritis

• 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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.

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

• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Sports Performance Enhancement & Injury Prevention: Movement analysis, strength and conditioning advice, and targeted exercises designed by your Physiotherapist to enhance your athletic performance, improve biomechanics, optimize movement efficiency, and reduce your risk of sports-related injuries.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Specialized and progressive physiotherapy care for athletes of all levels, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, sport-specific exercise, and safe, timely return-to-sport protocols.
• Gait Analysis & Running/Walking Re-training: Expert analysis of your gait with personalized corrective strategies, exercises, and cues to optimize your walking or running form for pain-free movement and enhanced performance or efficiency.
• Other Electrical Therapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.

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

• If that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away is preventing you from fully enjoying comfortably cooking and meal prepping for your family, Amélie offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• With Amélie's help, managing needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity to achieve effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• The path to recovery from trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain and achieving getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity for setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports often starts with expert guidance. Amélie, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Amélie's practice at PhysioNovA is situated in a modern clinic in the heart of Shawinigan's central neighborhood. The facility is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare in one location. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

Patients in QC can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, while a doctor's referral is not legally required to *see* a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiothérapeute will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what’s done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you’re not in a session.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor’s referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a 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?

In Quebec, physiotherapy services performed in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ, and patients usually pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. Some coverage may be available if care is received within a public hospital or CLSC meeting specific criteria. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

PhysioNovA
3451, Chemin de Sainte-Flore, Suite 1
Shawinigan, QC G9T 1A6

Phone: (819) 531-4134 | Website: www.physionova.ca

Amélie Caouette 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.