Annik Lefebvre – Physiotherapist | Saint-Jérôme, QC

Annik Lefebvre is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CISSS des Laurentides (St-Jérôme) in Saint-Jérôme, QC, Annik is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role encompasses assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life following neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Annik offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. Her goal is to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and decrease fall risk, helping patients regain confidence in their movement and daily activities.

With a strong foundation in physiotherapy, Annik Lefebvre completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience. She is dedicated to continuous professional development, applying evidence-based practices to her treatments. Annik has developed particular expertise and interest in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy and Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation, ensuring her patients receive the most current and effective interventions tailored to their needs.

Her practice philosophy emphasizes empowering patients through clear education about their condition and providing practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Annik is committed to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning to ensure the highest quality of care. She is fluent in both English and French, enabling her to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population and provide comprehensive support throughout the rehabilitation process.

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

Neurological

• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation for facial nerve disorders to help restore facial expression, improve function (e.g., eating, speaking, eye closure), and enhance overall facial appearance and confidence.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy strategies to help manage common MS symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, spasticity, balance problems, walking difficulties, pain, and bladder dysfunction, aiming to maintain function, improve quality of life, and promote self-management.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Comprehensive physiotherapy focusing on improving strength in available muscles, enhancing functional mobility, and promoting health and wellness after a spinal cord injury.

Vestibular Balance

• 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.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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.

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

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Customized exercise-based programs (e.g., gaze stabilization, habituation, balance retraining exercises) prescribed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist to reduce vestibular symptoms, improve functional balance, decrease fall risk, and enhance confidence in movement.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Comprehensive assessment of your fall risk factors with individualized interventions, including balance exercises, strength training, gait re-training, and home safety advice to help you prevent falls.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Annik. 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 des Laurentides (St-Jérôme), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Annik frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement has made taking group exercise classes at the community center seem like a distant memory, Annik's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to taking group exercise classes at the community center with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Many individuals seek help from Annik, their physiotherapist, when shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• Living with dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash doesn't have to be your norm. Annik applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.

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

Annik practices at CISSS des Laurentides (St-Jérôme), situated in the Downtown Saint-Jérôme, in the Saint-Antoine Sector neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Théâtre Gilles-Vigneault and is easily accessible via exo (Secteur Laurentides - Bus). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's response to therapy, and how consistently you follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiothérapeute will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions 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 (Physiotherapist) directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to initiate physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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 usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria, but for private outpatient services, coverage is typically limited. Always verify your eligibility with RAMQ and review your private insurance plans for coverage details.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CISSS des Laurentides (St-Jérôme) treat?

Annik's physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues such as back and neck pain (e.g., Psoriatic Arthritis), joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (e.g., Spinal Stenosis Symptoms), nerve pain, and balance disorders. They also have specialized skills in areas like Neurological Physiotherapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation, employing treatments such as Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for dizziness and vertigo, manual therapy, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

CISSS des Laurentides (St-Jérôme)
290, Rue de Montigny
Saint-Jérôme, QC J7Z 5T3

Phone: (450) 432-2777

Annik Lefebvre 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.