Carolann Vallée – Physiotherapist | Sainte-Marie, QC

Carolann Vallée is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at PROPHYSIO STE-MARIE in Sainte-Marie, QC, Carolann is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's specific needs, ensuring optimal recovery and functional improvement. Carolann believes in empowering her patients through education and active participation in their rehabilitation journey.

Carolann's physiotherapy focus encompasses addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She also 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 her patients regain confidence and independence.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Carolann serves patients of all ages, from infants and young children through to adults and seniors. Her ongoing professional development ensures she remains current with the latest physiotherapy techniques and innovations, providing the highest standard of care for her community.

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

Neurological

• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Physiotherapy aimed at maintaining optimal function, managing contractures (joint stiffness), optimizing mobility (including prescription of mobility aids), adapting activities, and managing respiratory function (if applicable) for individuals with progressive muscle weakness due to muscular dystrophy or other myopathies.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Helping individuals with Parkinson's Disease maintain mobility, functional independence, and safety, and improve their quality of movement and life.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: May include specific facial exercises, neuromuscular re-education (PNF for the face), biofeedback, electrical stimulation (if appropriate), massage, and strategies to improve facial movement, symmetry, reduce synkinesis (unwanted movements), and manage eye care.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurorehabilitation provided by a Physiotherapist to support functional recovery, improve independence in daily activities, and facilitate community reintegration after a head injury.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, cognitive difficulties (e.g., 'brain fog', memory issues), fatigue, and emotional changes. Post-Concussion Syndrome refers to symptoms persisting beyond the typical recovery window.

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

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Carolann. 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 PROPHYSIO STE-MARIE, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Carolann frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain is preventing you from fully enjoying standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, Carolann offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand), often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Don't let numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs dictate what you can and cannot do. Carolann offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns, helping you reclaim taking group exercise classes at the community center and enjoy a more functional life.
• When recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings, physiotherapy with Carolann can help you work towards understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Carolann practices at PROPHYSIO STE-MARIE, situated conveniently in a clinic in the central Sainte-Marie neighborhood of Sainte-Marie, QC. This private clinic facility is ideally 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 convenient transportation options. 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 provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance for these services. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if specific eligibility criteria are met. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy in private clinics.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions varies depending on the individual's condition, severity, and recovery goals. Factors such as the nature of the injury, response to treatment, and adherence to home exercises influence the total sessions required. Carolann will discuss an estimated treatment plan after the initial assessment and will monitor progress to adjust the plan accordingly.

How can I book an appointment at PROPHYSIO STE-MARIE?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (418) 387-8897 during business hours. Many practitioners also offer online booking through the clinic’s website at www.pro-physio.ca. The friendly reception team will assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the appropriate physiotherapist for your needs.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, most patients will receive a personalized home exercise program tailored to their condition and goals. Performing these exercises regularly is essential to maximize recovery and maintain improvements achieved during clinic visits.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for physiotherapy services. It is advisable to contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your coverage limits, co-payments, and whether a doctor's referral is necessary. We can often bill your insurer directly if your plan permits, or provide receipts for you to submit for reimbursement.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy details before your appointment.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is an autonomous healthcare professional authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises. Both are regulated professions under the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

PROPHYSIO STE-MARIE
774-F, Rue Étienne-Raymond
Sainte-Marie, QC G6E 0K6

Phone: (418) 387-8897 | Website: www.pro-physio.ca

Carolann Vallée 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.