Annie Girard

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

Common Msk

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
• 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.

Neurological

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Helping individuals with spinal cord injuries achieve their highest level of physical potential through targeted exercises, functional training, equipment prescription, and compensatory strategies.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Personalized exercise programs, hands-on therapy, and functional retraining for post-stroke recovery, addressing issues like hemiparesis, spasticity, or neglect.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

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

• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Tailored exercises, hands-on techniques, and functional strategies to manage symptoms (e.g., spasticity, weakness, ataxia) and optimize function in various neurological conditions, promoting participation in daily life.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for concussion recovery, including initial assessment of symptoms (headache, dizziness, etc.), management of associated neck pain or dysfunction, vestibular and oculomotor (eye movement) rehabilitation, and guided, gradual return-to-learn, work, and sport protocols.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Specialized physiotherapy programs focused on addressing the unique physical needs of older adults, aiming to improve mobility, strength, balance, flexibility, manage age-related conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia), and reduce the risk of falls.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Targeted physiotherapy programs to help seniors regain strength, endurance, balance, and functional abilities after an illness, surgery, hospitalization, or a period of inactivity or decline.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Annie. 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 CIUSSS MCQ (Hôpital du Centre-de-la-Mauricie), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Annie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke? Annie works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as walking your children to school or the park.
• Many find that post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery significantly impacts their ability to getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing. Annie helps patients target improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• It's truly rewarding for Annie to witness patients conquer an awkward gait or limping when I walk and experience enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions). A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house again.

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

Annie practices at CIUSSS MCQ, located within a modern clinic in the heart of Shawinigan's central neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near community services, pharmacies, and accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is CIUSSS MCQ (Hôpital du Centre-de-la-Mauricie)'s appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost or a set amount like $50 may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CIUSSS MCQ (Hôpital du Centre-de-la-Mauricie) treat?

Our Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (e.g., Ankylosing Spondylitis), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (like Peripheral Neuropathy, diabetic or chemotherapy-induced), and nerve pain. They also address neurological conditions such as stroke, brain injuries, and Parkinson’s Disease, incorporating manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to support recovery and functional independence.

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. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy is usually not. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plan for coverage options.

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 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 or physician, applying treatments and guiding exercises but not diagnosing or creating treatment plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Does CIUSSS MCQ (Hôpital du Centre-de-la-Mauricie) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, our clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and Blue Cross. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate billing. If direct billing is not available for your plan, we provide detailed receipts that you can submit for reimbursement according to your coverage.

What are CIUSSS MCQ (Hôpital du Centre-de-la-Mauricie)'s operating hours?

Our 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 may vary based on the practitioner and specific day. Please call us at (your contact number) or visit our website for the most current hours and availability.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. We recommend checking with your insurer before your first appointment to confirm specific requirements.

CIUSSS MCQ (Hôpital du Centre-de-la-Mauricie)
50, Rue 119e
Shawinigan, QC G9P 5K1

Phone: (819) 536-7628

Annie Girard 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.