Catherine Proulx – Physiotherapist | Lévis, QC

Catherine Proulx is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Clinique de physiothérapie Chaudière-Ouest in Lévis, QC, Catherine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes performance enhancement and injury prevention, tailoring treatments to athletes and active individuals seeking to optimize their physical capabilities. With a focus on musculoskeletal health, Catherine addresses a wide range of conditions that impact movement and athletic performance, ensuring her patients regain strength, flexibility, and resilience.

Catherine's expertise extends beyond general physiotherapy to include specialized assessment and treatment for pelvic health concerns affecting all genders. She provides comprehensive care related to incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal challenges, integrating evidence-based methods to support her patients' overall well-being. Serving a diverse clientele, from older children (5+) and adolescents to adults and seniors, Catherine is dedicated to fostering functional movement and empowering her patients to achieve their performance goals.

With a solid educational background, Catherine completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience. She actively pursues ongoing professional development, focusing on Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Pelvic Health. Her practice philosophy is rooted in evidence-based care and continuous learning, aiming to deliver innovative, effective interventions. Fluent in French, Catherine ensures clear communication and personalized treatment plans that align with her patients' active lifestyles and aspirations.

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

Chronic Pain

• Fibromyalgia: Physiotherapy approaches for managing the diffuse pain, stiffness, and tenderness associated with fibromyalgia, often involving gentle exercise (e.g., aquatic therapy, tai chi, graded aerobic activity), pain science education, activity pacing, and stress reduction strategies.
• Persistent Post-Surgical Pain (Chronic): Physiotherapy for managing pain that lingers long after surgical recovery, employing strategies such as graded motor imagery, desensitization techniques, specific exercises, manual therapy (if appropriate), and pain education to address complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or other chronic post-operative pain states.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - Supportive Care: A careful and specialized physiotherapy approach for CRPS, focusing on pain reduction, functional restoration, and supporting you through this complex condition.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• 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.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• 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.

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.

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

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.

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 Clinique de physiothérapie Chaudière-Ouest, 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:

• Patients struggling with that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity can find dedicated and compassionate support from Catherine. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as going on birdwatching outings in various terrains.
• Catherine frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like participating fully in your martial arts practice, including sparring.
• It's truly rewarding for Catherine to witness patients conquer working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery and experience seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio). A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours again.

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

Catherine practices at Clinique de physiothérapie Chaudière-Ouest, situated in the Saint-Jean-Chrysostome East neighborhood of Lévis. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. The facility is well-connected via the Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis), allowing patients to reach their appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify the specific requirements of your insurance provider before your first appointment.

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. Some coverage may exist for services received directly within public hospitals or CLSCs under certain circumstances. It is recommended to check with RAMQ and your private insurer to understand your benefits.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It is common to experience mild soreness or increased symptoms after physiotherapy, especially when starting new exercises. This typically subsides within 24-48 hours. If you experience a significant increase in pain, neurological symptoms, or if soreness persists longer than expected, contact Catherine or your healthcare provider promptly for assessment and guidance.

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

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and has autonomous practice rights, including assessments, diagnoses, treatment planning, and certain restricted activities. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying treatments and assisting with rehabilitation but not diagnosing or independently creating treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies based on individual needs and goals. After an initial assessment, Catherine will provide an estimated treatment plan and regularly review progress to adjust the number of visits accordingly.

What is Clinique de physiothérapie Chaudière-Ouest's appointment cancellation policy?

We kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling to accommodate other patients. Late cancellations or missed appointments without sufficient notice may incur a fee, typically equivalent to 50% of the scheduled service. Please contact the clinic as soon as possible to modify or cancel your appointment.

Clinique de physiothérapie Chaudière-Ouest
425, Rue des Chutes-de-la-chaudière, # 102
Lévis, QC G7A 1E7

Phone: (418) 831-0021 | Website: https://www.physioco.ca/

Catherine Proulx 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.