About
Catherine Smith is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at Clinique de physiothérapie des Hauts-Bois in Sainte-Julie, QC, Catherine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She brings a warm, community-focused approach to her practice, prioritizing each patient's unique needs and goals. With a genuine passion for helping others regain their mobility and confidence, Catherine strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel valued and empowered throughout their recovery journey.
In her role, Catherine assists in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. She works with a diverse clientele, including older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, tailoring her interventions to suit different age groups and conditions. Her approach emphasizes education, active participation, and long-term wellness, fostering a sense of community and trust with everyone she cares for.
With a background rooted in ongoing professional development, Catherine has developed skills and a particular interest in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring. She is committed to evidence-based practices, ensuring her techniques are current and effective. Fluent in French and English, Catherine is able to communicate clearly and compassionately with a broad range of patients, making her an integral part of the community's health and wellness team.
Catherine Smith provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Common Msk
- 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.
- Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Catherine can assess your needs.
- 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.
- General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
- Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
- Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
- Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
- 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.
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 des Hauts-Bois, 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:
- Dealing with the ongoing challenges of that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder? Catherine works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain.
- The journey to reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease when faced with persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs is made smoother and more effective with Catherine's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like getting on and off the floor with ease.
- For those whose knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run has made hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter seem like a distant memory, Catherine's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Catherine, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Located in the heart of Sainte-Julie, Clinique de physiothérapie des Hauts-Bois is situated in a modern, welcoming clinic in the central neighborhood of Sainte-Julie. The facility is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to combine their physiotherapy appointments with other errands or healthcare needs. Accessible via local public transit routes, the clinic is designed to accommodate all visitors comfortably. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- Will I be given exercises to do at home?
- Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapy Technologist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.
- What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?
- Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapy Technologist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.
- What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?
- In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).
- What are Clinique de physiothérapie des Hauts-Bois's operating hours?
- Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (xxx) xxx-xxxx or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapy Technologist in QC?
- In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiotherapy Technologist directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not always required for treatment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment.
- Is there parking available at or near Clinique de physiothérapie des Hauts-Bois?
- Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Additional street parking and paid public lots are also available nearby, providing convenient access for patients.
- Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care provided directly within a hospital or CLSC may be covered if specific criteria are met. It is recommended to verify your coverage with RAMQ and your private insurance provider.
Clinique de physiothérapie des Hauts-Bois
1950, Chemin du Fer-À-Cheval, bureau DD
Sainte-Julie, QC J3E 2T6
Phone: (450) 338-4334 | Website: www.physiodeshautsbois.com
Catherine Smith 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.