Caroline Plouffe – Physiotherapy Technologist | Terrebonne, QC

Caroline Plouffe is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CISSS LANAUDIÈRE - CLSC LAMATER in Terrebonne, QC, Caroline is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes performance optimization and athletic rehabilitation, helping active individuals and athletes return to their peak potential through tailored physiotherapy interventions. Caroline’s role involves assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery, injury prevention, and functional improvement.

Serving adults and seniors, Caroline adopts a comprehensive approach that combines clinical expertise with a performance-oriented mindset. Her focus is on empowering patients to achieve their fitness and activity goals by enhancing strength, flexibility, and endurance. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Caroline ensures that each patient receives personalized care designed to improve their overall performance and quality of life.

Caroline completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development, staying current with the latest physiotherapy techniques and modalities. Caroline has developed particular expertise in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring, which allows her to deliver effective, goal-driven treatments. Fluent in both English and French, Caroline is able to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population, ensuring clarity and comfort throughout the rehabilitation process.

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

Common Msk

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.

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: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• 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.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• 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.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.

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 CISSS LANAUDIÈRE - CLSC LAMATER, 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:

• It's truly rewarding for Caroline to witness patients conquer trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and experience successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace again.
• Caroline believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury is hindering your ability to tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence, a personalized plan focusing on improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics can make all the difference.
• Struggling with the frustration of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain? Caroline develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity. This is key to helping you get back to doing spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Caroline practices at CISSS LANAUDIÈRE - CLSC LAMATER, situated in the Terrebonne Central/South neighborhood of Terrebonne. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Galeries Terrebonne and is accessible via exo (Secteur Terrebonne-Mascouche). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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).

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapy Technologist.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiotherapy Technologist directly, without a physician's referral, due to the province's direct access policy. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify your insurance policy requirements prior to your first appointment.

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

Most physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by RAMQ in Quebec. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care provided within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is important to check with RAMQ and your insurance provider for details regarding coverage and reimbursement options.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and restore function. While some treatments or assessments may cause mild discomfort or soreness temporarily, Caroline always works within your tolerance levels. If you experience significant pain during treatment, please inform her immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

CISSS LANAUDIÈRE - CLSC LAMATER
1317, Boulevard des Seigneurs
Terrebonne, QC J6W 5B1

Phone: (450) 471-2881

Caroline Plouffe 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.