Catherine Girard – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Catherine Girard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CH JEFFERY HALE in Québec, QC, Catherine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach focuses on understanding each individual's unique needs and guiding them through personalized treatment plans that promote recovery, mobility, and overall well-being.

With extensive experience in addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, Catherine's expertise encompasses everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, tailoring care to help athletes of all levels—from recreational enthusiasts to elite competitors—return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Her compassionate approach ensures patients feel supported and empowered throughout their recovery journey.

Catherine has completed her degree in Physiotherapy and continually advances her skills through ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. She has developed a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy. Fluent in both English and French, Catherine emphasizes a collaborative, patient-centered philosophy, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and long-term wellness. Her goal is to promote a proactive approach to health, ensuring her patients achieve their movement and functional goals with confidence and support.

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

Back Neck Pain

• 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).
• 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.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• 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.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.

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

• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Evidence-based physiotherapy for a wide range of sports-related injuries (e.g., ligament sprains, muscle tears, tendinopathies, overuse injuries), incorporating advanced techniques and sport-specific training.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• 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.
• 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: Expert analysis of your gait with personalized corrective strategies, exercises, and cues to optimize your walking or running form for pain-free movement and enhanced performance or efficiency.

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 CH JEFFERY HALE, 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:

• Tired of my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking interfering with shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back? Catherine uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks and regain your freedom of movement.
• Living with needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity doesn't have to be your norm. Catherine applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards improved performance in work-related physical demands, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout.
• Physiotherapy with Catherine can be a transformative turning point for those affected by that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work. The shared goal is achieving successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines, paving the way for you to enjoy cycling longer distances with your cycling club 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's practice at CH JEFFERY HALE is situated in a central Québec neighborhood, within a well-equipped public healthcare facility. The clinic's location offers convenient access for residents in the area, with proximity to local community services and pharmacies. Easily accessible via various public transit routes, patients can reach the clinic with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiothérapeute to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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

In Québec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their insurance policies before their first appointment to ensure coverage.

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

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered directly by RAMQ in Québec. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received within public hospitals or CLSCs might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It's important to verify your individual coverage with RAMQ and your private insurance provider.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, allowing them to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop treatment plans independently. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and supports physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, and reporting progress, playing a vital role in patient care.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CH JEFFERY HALE treat?

Our Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries like herniated discs or sciatica, and nerve pain. They also have expertise in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports physiotherapy, and pelvic health, providing treatments such as manual therapy and injury management to help you regain optimal movement and function.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting discomfort. Some techniques, such as deep soft tissue work or joint mobilizations, might cause mild soreness temporarily, especially if tissues are inflamed or stiff. Your Physiothérapeute will always work within your comfort levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage your feedback. If you experience significant pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

CH JEFFERY HALE
1250, Chemin Sainte-Foy
Québec, QC G1S 2M6

Phone: (581) 992-9092

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.