Catherine Alarie – Physiotherapist | Trois-Rivières, QC

Catherine Alarie is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CRDP LABADIE in Trois-Rivières, 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). Catherine's approach emphasizes individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring optimal recovery and functional improvement.

Her scope of practice includes addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This encompasses everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to managing chronic pain, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, Catherine offers specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents, focusing on developmental delays, congenital conditions such as torticollis, orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and promoting optimal motor development and participation in daily activities.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, Catherine continuously updates her skills through ongoing professional development. She has developed particular interests in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Pediatric Physiotherapy. Fluent in English and French, Catherine values a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to achieve their movement and wellness goals, fostering a supportive and effective therapeutic environment.

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

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: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).

Neurological

• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Specialized physiotherapy exercises and movement strategies (e.g., LSVT BIG® principles, amplitude-based training, cueing techniques) to improve balance, gait (walking), posture, flexibility, coordination, and overall motor function in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: A movement-based therapy approach, often guided by principles of motor learning and de-emphasis on presumed damage, to help individuals with FND regain voluntary control over their physical symptoms and improve confidence in their movements.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Gait Analysis & Running/Walking Re-training: Evaluation of how you walk or run, with tailored advice from your Physiotherapist on footwear, technique modifications, and exercises to improve your form and prevent injury.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Specialized and progressive physiotherapy care for athletes of all levels, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, sport-specific exercise, and safe, timely return-to-sport protocols.
• Sports Performance Enhancement & Injury Prevention: Strategies and training programs to fine-tune your physical capabilities, improve sport-specific skills, and ensure you are well-prepared for the demands of your sport.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity and achieved being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury under the skilled care of Catherine. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children with a new lease on life.
• Physiotherapy with Catherine can be a transformative turning point for those affected by needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity. The shared goal is achieving improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community, paving the way for you to enjoy giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture and a more active, vibrant life.
• At Catherine's physiotherapy practice, individuals with dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash are guided towards successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as running your usual 5k route without knee pain.

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

Catherine's practice at CRDP LABADIE is situated in the Saint-Louis-de-France Sector neighborhood of Trois-Rivières. The clinic is conveniently located within a public healthcare facility that is easily accessible to residents and visitors alike. It is positioned near the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Cap in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, making it a recognizable landmark in the area. The clinic is well-connected via the Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR), allowing patients to reach it with ease using public transit. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiothérapeute can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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.

How can I book an appointment at CRDP LABADIE?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (819) 378-4083 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician’s referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm their requirements.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiothérapeute will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

Is there parking available at or near CRDP LABADIE?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Metered street parking is generally available on nearby streets, and a paid public parkade is located within a short walking distance. Always check local signage for parking restrictions.

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

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ in Quebec. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance for coverage. Care received through public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider to understand your coverage options.

CRDP LABADIE
4100, Rue Jacques-De Labadie
Trois-Rivières, QC G8Y 1T6

Phone: (819) 378-4083

Catherine Alarie 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.