Annie Vallières

Annie Vallières 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.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Addressing the physical consequences of nerve damage in the limbs through targeted exercises (e.g., for balance, strength, desensitization), sensory re-education, and advice on appropriate footwear or assistive devices.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Addressing conditions affecting nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, aiming to relieve pressure on the nerve, reduce inflammation, and restore normal nerve function.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.

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

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Other Electrotherapy 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.

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 Bambini et Cie, 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:

• Physiotherapy with Annie can be a transformative turning point for those affected by frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders. The shared goal is achieving being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again, paving the way for you to enjoy managing the physical demands of your job without constant pain and a more active, vibrant life.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Annie can help you move beyond that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder. The focus is on increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as being able to carry your baby or toddler without straining your back or arms.
• Struggling with the frustration of a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck? Annie develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery. This is key to helping you get back to doing getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Annie's practice at Bambini et Cie is situated in a welcoming, modern clinic located in the heart of the central Lac-Beauport neighborhood. The facility is conveniently positioned close to local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care as part of their daily routines. The clinic is easily reachable by local public transit routes, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free visit. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed 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 provided in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Some services received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if they meet specific criteria. It’s important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy in private settings.

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 practice known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans might require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy before your appointment to ensure coverage and reimbursement eligibility.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at Bambini et Cie treat?

Annie’s Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, nerve pain, and balance disorders. They utilize various techniques, including Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy and Therapeutic Ultrasound, to support your recovery and help you achieve your functional goals.

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 specific coverage, including annual maximums, co-payments, and whether a doctor's referral is required. If your insurer allows direct billing, the clinic can often bill your insurer directly, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Otherwise, you will receive an official receipt to submit for reimbursement.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy session to last around an hour, allowing for a thorough assessment and discussion of your goals. Follow-up appointments usually range from 30 to 45 minutes, tailored to your individual needs. Your Physiothérapeute will advise on the appropriate length based on your condition and treatment plan.

Bambini et Cie
1025, Boulevard du Lac, # 235
Lac-Beauport, QC G3B 0X1

Phone: (418) 265-7381

Annie Vallières 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.