Chantal Therrien

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

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.

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.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.

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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• 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.

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

• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Chantal. 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 CIUSSS DE L'ESTRIE, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Chantal frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The path to recovery from my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking and achieving feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries for joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court often starts with expert guidance. Chantal, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• At Chantal's physiotherapy practice, individuals with facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) are guided towards feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.
• Patients often come to Chantal feeling defeated by swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury and resuming returning to a specific physical hobby you had to give up due to pain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Chantal practices at the CIUSSS DE L'ESTRIE, situated in a central Cowansville location within a public healthcare facility. The clinic is conveniently positioned in the heart of Cowansville's neighborhood, making it easily accessible to residents. The facility is close to various community services and pharmacies, ensuring seamless integration into your healthcare routine. Accessible via multiple public transit routes, the clinic prioritizes ease of access for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

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 Physiothérapeute 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.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm their specific requirements. While a referral is not always legally necessary to see a Physiothérapeute, having one can facilitate coverage through certain insurance plans.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Key considerations include your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if the clinic can bill your insurer directly. If direct billing is available and your plan permits, we can often process claims directly, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and relevant policy details to your appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping individuals improve movement, reduce pain, and enhance overall function. A registered Physiothérapeute uses evidence-based techniques such as targeted exercises, manual therapy, and patient education to assess, diagnose, and treat a variety of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. It can help you recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, prevent future issues, and improve your quality of life.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Some limited coverage may be available for specific cases, such as post-hospitalization or certain low-income programs. Most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are paid out-of-pocket or covered through private insurance. Care received in public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered under certain circumstances, but private clinic services typically require private payment or insurance reimbursement. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage details.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial appointment will involve a comprehensive evaluation. The Physiothérapeute will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. A physical assessment will be performed to identify the source of your problems and evaluate your mobility and strength. Based on this, the therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a tailored plan of care. You may receive initial exercises, advice, or hands-on treatment to start your recovery process.

CIUSSS DE L'ESTRIE
950, Rue Principale
Cowansville, QC J2K 1K3

Phone: (450) 266-4342

Chantal Therrien 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.