Catherine Hamel – Physiotherapy Technologist | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Catherine Hamel is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (CLSC Vallée-des-Forts) in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, Catherine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her role involves assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by a physiotherapist or physician, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. Catherine’s focus is on helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life, with particular attention to senior patients and those with chronic conditions.

With a solid foundation in physiotherapy techniques, Catherine has developed expertise in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring. Her clinical experience is complemented by a commitment to ongoing professional development, ensuring her practices are evidence-based and tailored to individual needs. She values a holistic approach, emphasizing prevention, education, and empowering patients to actively participate in their recovery process.

Promoting preventative care and long-term wellness, Catherine adopts a proactive, patient-centered philosophy that involves individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. She is fluent in French, ensuring effective communication with her diverse patient population and fostering a supportive, understanding environment for all her clients.

Catherine Hamel 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): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.

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

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.

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 de la Montérégie-Centre (CLSC Vallée-des-Forts), 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:

• Rediscover your ability to enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again without the constant burden of that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit. Catherine focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Many find that pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard significantly impacts their ability to safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace. Catherine helps patients target running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Catherine believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy is hindering your ability to walking your children to school or the park, a personalized plan focusing on improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction can make all the difference.

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

Catherine practices at the CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (CLSC Vallée-des-Forts), situated in the Saint-Jean Sector South/Central neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Vieux-Iberville and is easily accessible via Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapy Technologist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiotherapy Technologist directly through a process called "direct access," meaning a referral from a physician is not legally required to see a physiotherapy professional. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a physician's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to verify their insurance policy requirements before their first appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapy Technologist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

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.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify coverage details directly with RAMQ and check with private insurers, as many plans offer substantial physiotherapy reimbursement.

CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (CLSC Vallée-des-Forts)
320, Boulevard du Séminaire N
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 5K9

Phone: (450) 358-2578

Catherine Hamel 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.