Catherine Prud’homme Allard – Physiotherapist | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Catherine Prud'homme Allard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. 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 Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes thorough assessments, personalized treatment plans, and evidence-based interventions designed to restore and enhance her patients' physical function and well-being.

With a focus on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, Catherine treats everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She also specializes in geriatric physiotherapy, aiming to improve mobility, strength, and balance among older adults, helping them maintain independence, reduce fall risk, and manage age-related conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Her dedication ensures that each patient receives tailored care that respects their unique health needs and lifestyle goals.

Having completed her degree in Physiotherapy, Catherine is committed to ongoing professional development and applying the latest evidence-based practices. She has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Geriatric Physiotherapy and Seniors’ Health. Her practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through education and self-management strategies, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve optimal outcomes. Catherine is fluent in French, facilitating clear communication with her diverse patient population.

Catherine Prud'homme Allard provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.

Geriatric

• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Physiotherapy aimed at improving safe and efficient movement, gait quality (e.g., step length, speed, pattern), balance, and confidence in mobility for seniors. May include assessment and prescription of appropriate mobility aids (e.g., cane, walker).
• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: A decline in physical function, muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), and endurance commonly associated with aging or inactivity, sometimes leading to frailty, increased fall risk, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks independently.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.

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:

• Are you finding that soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise stops you from enjoying competing effectively in your curling league games? Catherine is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Catherine can help you move beyond that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away. The focus is on enhanced ability to participate in social and community events, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• Tired of feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort interfering with playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids? Catherine uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease and regain your freedom of movement.

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. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near the Chambly Canal National Historic Site and is accessible via Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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, which is known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to start physiotherapy, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute holds a university master’s degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans independently. They may also perform certain restricted activities if they hold specific attestations. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or establish treatment plans independently. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ, and patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some coverage may be available if receiving care within a public hospital or CLSC, but this depends on specific eligibility criteria. It is recommended to verify coverage details directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for additional coverage options.

Is there parking available at or near CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (CLSC Vallée-des-Forts)?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside the building. Look for designated patient parking spots. Additional metered street parking is available on nearby streets, and a paid public parkade is located one block east of the clinic. Please check signage for restrictions and hours.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessments generally last between 45 to 60 minutes to allow for thorough evaluation and discussion. Follow-up sessions are typically 30 to 45 minutes but can vary depending on individual needs and treatment plans.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, and joint manipulations to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, relax muscles, and facilitate nerve movement, helping your body move better.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy aims to restore and improve movement, reduce pain, and enhance overall function. Whether recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, or optimizing physical performance, your Physiothérapeute will develop a personalized plan to help you achieve your goals, using exercises, manual techniques, and education for a more active and comfortable life.

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 Prud'homme Allard 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.