Caroline Babin – Physiotherapist | La Prairie, QC

Caroline Babin is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Hexa Physio in La Prairie, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Caroline's approach focuses on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, with an emphasis on optimizing performance and supporting athletic individuals in achieving their peak potential. Her expertise includes assessment and treatment of acute injuries like sprains and strains, chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation, ensuring her patients regain strength, mobility, and confidence.

In addition to her orthopedic practice, Caroline 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 through targeted vestibular and balance rehabilitation programs. Caroline’s services are tailored for older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, making her a versatile and accessible professional dedicated to enhancing movement health across all ages.

Caroline completed her degree in Physiotherapy and, through clinical experience and ongoing professional development, has developed a strong interest and skill set in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation. Her evidence-based approach ensures that her treatments are effective, current, and tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Caroline is fluent in French and works collaboratively with her patients to promote long-term wellness, encouraging preventative care and empowering individuals to take an active role in their recovery and ongoing health.

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

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• 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.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• 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).

Hand Wrist

• 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.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

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

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• 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.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity? Caroline works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.
• The journey to being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again when faced with persistent an awkward gait or limping when I walk is made smoother and more effective with Caroline's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache.
• Caroline frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets improved circulation and tissue healing and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like walking your children to school or the park.

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

Caroline practices at Hexa Physio, situated in a modern clinic in the central La Prairie neighborhood of La Prairie. This private facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring ease of travel for those using bus services or other transit options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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, which is known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to initiate physiotherapy care, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies before their first appointment to understand any specific documentation requirements.

What is Hexa Physio'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 (e.g., $50) may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Caroline may use techniques such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, sustained pressures, or joint manipulations to help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, relax tight muscles, and enhance nerve function. Manual therapy is a vital component of helping your body move better and recover more effectively.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care received through public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if specific criteria are met, but private outpatient physiotherapy is usually not included. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage details.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Technologue en physiothérapie in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, allowing them to assess patients, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and plays a supportive role by implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, and reporting progress under supervision.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary aim of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and improve function. Some treatments or assessments might cause mild discomfort or soreness temporarily, especially if tissues are inflamed or stiff. Caroline always works within your tolerance, communicates clearly about what to expect, and encourages you to provide feedback. If you experience significant pain during treatment, please inform her immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

Hexa Physio
1650, Chemin de Saint-Jean
La Prairie, QC J5R 0J2

Phone: (450) 282-1707 | Website: hexaphysio.com

Caroline Babin 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.