Annie Hamel – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Annie Hamel is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ in Québec, QC, Annie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes evidence-based practices, personalized treatment plans, and active patient involvement to optimize recovery and performance. Annie specializes in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, helping athletes and active individuals restore function, enhance mobility, and achieve their peak physical potential.

With a focus on performance and athletic rehabilitation, Annie leverages her extensive clinical experience to develop tailored programs that support strength, flexibility, and endurance. She is passionate about empowering her patients through education and practical self-management strategies, ensuring lasting results beyond the clinic. Annie’s expertise extends to helping individuals recover from sports injuries, manage chronic pain, and regain confidence in their movement capabilities, whether returning to competitive sports or maintaining an active lifestyle.

Annie completed her degree in Physiotherapy with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. She has cultivated a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy, allowing her to address complex cases involving neurological conditions such as stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Her patient-centered philosophy ensures care that respects individual goals and promotes optimal functional outcomes. Annie is fluent in English and French, facilitating clear communication and tailored support for a diverse patient population.

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

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• 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.

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

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiothérapeute, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.

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 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. Annie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Are you finding that trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury stops you from enjoying taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes? Annie is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• When aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again, physiotherapy with Annie can help you work towards implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Living with frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders doesn't have to be your norm. Annie applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.

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

Annie 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 and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiothérapeute will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if specific criteria are met. It is important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. It is recommended to contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Key points to verify include your annual maximum, per-visit limits or co-payments, referral requirements, and whether the clinic can bill directly to your insurer. We can often facilitate direct billing if your plan allows, but always bring your insurance details to your appointment.

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 diagnoses, and develop treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures with additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) focused on technical application, assisting Physiothérapeutes by implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, and applying modalities under supervision.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your first visit.

What are Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ's operating hours?

IRDPQ 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 depending on the practitioner and day. Please call our office at (418) 123-4567 or visit our website for the most current schedule and availability.

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

Phone: (418) 529-9141

Annie Hamel 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.