Catherine Girard – Physiotherapist | Saint-Jérôme, QC

Catherine Girard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CISSS des Laurentides in Saint-Jérôme, 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 personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs, focusing on optimizing movement, reducing pain, and enhancing performance. Her practice is rooted in a thorough assessment process, ensuring that every patient receives care that addresses the root cause of their condition and supports their long-term wellness objectives.

Specializing in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, Catherine has a particular interest in supporting active individuals of all levels, from recreational athletes to elite competitors. She addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, including acute injuries like sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain management, arthritis care, and post-operative recovery. Her goal is to help patients return safely to their sport or activity, improve their performance, and prevent future injuries through evidence-based physiotherapy practices.

With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Catherine has developed expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy. She serves a diverse patient population, including older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors. Her practice philosophy revolves around promoting proactive care, encouraging long-term wellness, and fostering a collaborative relationship with her patients. Catherine is fluent in French and English, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for her diverse community.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.

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

• Orthopedic Bracing & Support Consultation/Fitting: Assessment by your Physiotherapist for and fitting of orthopedic braces or supports (custom or off-the-shelf) to stabilize joints, manage injuries (e.g., ligament tears, osteoarthritis, instability), protect healing tissues, and facilitate safe activity participation.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Therapeutic & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid): Utilizing different taping methods, chosen by your therapist based on your specific needs, to assist with pain relief, support injured areas, reduce swelling, or improve proprioceptive feedback.
• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription (if offered/certified): Providing individualized foot supports created from a precise mold of your feet to improve comfort, alignment, reduce pain, and enhance function during walking, running, or standing.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.

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:

• Struggling with the frustration of hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side? Catherine develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle. This is key to helping you get back to doing swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• The journey to feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day when faced with persistent frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders is made smoother and more effective with Catherine's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like returning to a specific physical hobby you had to give up due to pain.
• Don't let recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) dictate what you can and cannot do. Catherine offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance, helping you reclaim safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Catherine’s practice at CISSS des Laurentides is located in the heart of Downtown Saint-Jérôme, within the Saint-Antoine Sector neighborhood. The clinic is situated in a family medicine group (FMG) at a public institution, making it highly accessible for the local community. Conveniently positioned near Downtown Saint-Jérôme and easily reachable by public transit, specifically via exo (Secteur Laurentides - Bus), the location is designed to serve active individuals seeking performance-oriented physiotherapy care. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Is there parking available at or near CISSS des Laurentides?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, thanks to the practice of direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance provider before your first visit.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It is recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For example, shorts for knee issues or a sleeveless top for shoulder concerns. This helps ensure the most effective assessment and treatment.

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 through private insurance. Care received directly in a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if specific criteria are met. Always verify your coverage with RAMQ and your insurance plan.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This depends on your specific condition and progress. Some issues resolve in a few sessions, while others require longer-term care. Catherine will provide an estimated treatment plan after your initial assessment, which will be adjusted as needed.

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

A Physiothérapeute has completed a master's level university education, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and assists physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, helping with exercises, and reporting progress.

CISSS des Laurentides
1000, Rue Labelle
Saint-Jérôme, QC J7Z 5N6

Phone: (450) 569-4860

Catherine Girard 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.