Annabelle Blais is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CISSS ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE in Rouyn-Noranda, 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). Annabelle specializes in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and pelvic health conditions, ensuring comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each individual. Her approach emphasizes active patient participation, evidence-based interventions, and personalized strategies to facilitate optimal recovery and performance enhancement.
Annabelle's scope of practice includes expertly managing conditions related to muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. She treats everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain conditions, arthritis management, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Annabelle also provides specialized assessment and treatment for pelvic floor and surrounding region issues, applicable to all genders. This includes conditions like incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal concerns. Her goal is to restore function, reduce pain, and help her patients regain confidence in their physical capabilities.
With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Annabelle has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. She values continuous learning to stay current with the latest evidence-based practices, ensuring her patients receive the most effective treatments. Annabelle’s practice philosophy is rooted in empowering patients through education, practical self-management strategies, and a commitment to excellence. She is fluent in French, facilitating clear communication and personalized care for her diverse patient community.
Annabelle Blais provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Pregnancy Postpartum
- Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Muscle Separation) Assessment & Rehabilitation: Restoring core strength, stability, and function when dealing with diastasis recti, helping to improve posture, reduce back pain, and improve the appearance of the abdomen.
- Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) / Low Back Pain / Sciatica: Supporting a more comfortable pregnancy journey by addressing musculoskeletal issues such as PGP, back pain, or nerve compression symptoms with tailored physiotherapy.
- Postpartum Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (e.g., Incontinence, Pain, Prolapse): Helping new mothers recover optimal pelvic floor function, manage pain, and safely return to exercise and daily activities in the postpartum period.
- C-Section Scar Management and Abdominal Recovery: Physiotherapy techniques to improve the mobility, appearance, and sensation of a Caesarean section (C-section) scar, reduce associated pain, adhesions, or restrictions, and facilitate abdominal muscle recovery and core function.
Pelvic Health
- Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia) / Vaginismus / Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: Helping you achieve comfortable and pain-free sexual function by treating the underlying physical factors contributing to genito-pelvic pain.
- Urinary Incontinence (Stress, Urge, Mixed - Men & Women): Specialized physiotherapy management of bladder leakage issues through targeted pelvic floor muscle training (Kegels and more), bladder retraining techniques, education, and lifestyle advice.
- Prostatitis Symptoms / Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men (Supportive Care): Physiotherapy interventions focusing on pelvic floor muscle relaxation, trigger point release (internal and external), nerve gliding, bladder retraining, and pain management strategies for men experiencing prostatitis-like symptoms such as perineal pain, urinary urgency/frequency, or pain with ejaculation.
- Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS - Men & Women): Addressing complex pelvic pain conditions such as interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome, pudendal neuralgia, or non-bacterial prostatitis symptoms through specialized physiotherapy interventions.
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.
- Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.
- Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
- Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Annabelle can assess your needs.
- Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
- Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
- Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
- General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
- Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Tailored physiotherapy including gentle exercise prescription (e.g., aquatic therapy, graded aerobic exercise), pain management education, activity pacing strategies, stress reduction techniques, and gentle manual therapies for individuals living with fibromyalgia or other widespread pain conditions.
- Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Personalized physiotherapy programs designed to reduce the impact of chronic pain on your life, helping you to gradually increase activity levels and re-engage in meaningful activities.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Annabelle. 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 ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Annabelle frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Patients struggling with feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older can find dedicated and compassionate support from Annabelle. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as attending and enjoying your children's or grandchildren's sporting events.
- Patients often come to Annabelle feeling defeated by feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving enhanced ability to participate in social and community events and resuming playing fetch with your dog in the park for an extended time becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
- For those whose trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain has made pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty seem like a distant memory, Annabelle's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Annabelle, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Annabelle practices at CISSS ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE, situated within a central clinic in the Rouyn-Noranda neighborhood of Rouyn-Noranda. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is accessible via local 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.
- Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for coverage details.
- What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?
- A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, and create treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or develop treatment plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).
- 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, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy before your first appointment.
- What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CISSS ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE treat?
- Annabelle treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and pelvic health conditions. This includes back and neck pain, joint issues, sports injuries, post-surgical recovery, pelvic floor dysfunctions such as incontinence and pelvic pain, as well as conditions like persistent dizziness, arthritis, and tendinopathies. Her treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, patient education, and tailored interventions to help you achieve your functional goals.
- What are CISSS ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE's operating hours?
- The clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with some practitioners offering Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours can vary, so it is advisable to contact the clinic directly or check their website for current schedules and practitioner availability.
- Will I be given exercises to do at home?
- Yes, almost always. Annabelle provides customized home exercise programs tailored to your specific needs. These exercises help reinforce your progress and promote faster recovery.
- Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
- The number of sessions varies depending on your condition and recovery progress. Annabelle will provide an estimated treatment plan after your initial assessment, which may be adjusted as needed throughout your care.
CISSS ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE
4, Rue 9e
Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 2B2
Phone: (819) 764-5131
Annabelle Blais 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.