Catherine Desrochers – Physiotherapist | Saint-Jérôme, QC

Catherine Desrochers is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CISSS des Laurentides in Saint-Jérôme, QC, Catherine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. In addition to her neurological focus, Catherine addresses 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, serving adult patients with personalized treatment plans.

With a solid educational foundation, Catherine completed her degree in Physiotherapy. Her clinical experience has been complemented by a strong commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. She has developed particular expertise and interest in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, continuously updating her skills to provide the most effective care for her patients.

Catherine’s practice philosophy revolves around promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Saint-Jérôme community through proactive physiotherapy. She adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Her commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous learning ensures that her patients receive the highest standard of care. Catherine is fluent in English and French, facilitating clear communication with a diverse patient population.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.

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.

Vestibular Balance

• 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.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.
• 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.

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

• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Providing professional physiotherapy assessment, treatment, education, and exercise prescription directly in the comfort and convenience of your home environment, especially for those who have difficulty attending an outpatient clinic due to mobility issues, severe pain, or other constraints.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Convenient access to expert physiotherapy services from the comfort of your home, office, or any location with an internet connection, ideal for those with busy schedules, living in remote areas, or preferring virtual care.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.

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 CISSS des Laurentides, 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:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Catherine can help you move beyond feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move. The focus is on achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk and achieved effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle under the skilled care of Catherine. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as driving for longer periods without neck or back pain with a new lease on life.
• Physiotherapy with Catherine can be a transformative turning point for those affected by wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night. The shared goal is achieving noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks, paving the way for you to enjoy participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Catherine practices at CISSS des Laurentides, situated in the Bellefeuille Sector neighborhood of Saint-Jérôme. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near the Vieille Gare (Museum) and is easily accessible via exo (Secteur Laurentides - Bus). 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?

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.

What are CISSS des Laurentides's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at [contact number] or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CISSS des Laurentides treat?

Our Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (Post-Mastectomy/Lumpectomy Rehabilitation, such as shoulder mobility and lymphedema risk reduction), joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (ankle sprains, instability), nerve pain, and neurological conditions such as stroke, brain injury, or Parkinson’s disease. Their treatments often involve Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio), Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies, and tailored exercises to help you achieve your functional goals.

Does CISSS des Laurentides offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, our clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details. It's always advisable to verify your coverage and any specific limits or requirements with your insurer prior to your appointment.

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 or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy details before your first visit.

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 usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care provided within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered under certain conditions. Always verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

CISSS des Laurentides
531, Rue Laviolette
Saint-Jérôme, QC J7Y 2T8

Phone: (450) 560-9898

Catherine Desrochers 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.