Christiane Bertrand – Physiotherapist | Trois-Rivières, QC

Christiane Bertrand is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS de la MCQ - CHAUR in Trois-Rivières, QC, Christiane is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. With a compassionate approach, Christiane provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Her goal is to empower each individual with personalized strategies that support their journey toward recovery and wellness.

Christiane has completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience through diverse settings. She remains dedicated to ongoing professional development, integrating evidence-based practices into her treatments to ensure her patients receive the most effective and up-to-date care. Christiane’s approach emphasizes a holistic understanding of each patient’s unique needs, fostering a supportive environment where healing and progress are prioritized.

With a philosophy rooted in a patient-centered approach, Christiane actively involves individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. She promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Trois-Rivières community through proactive physiotherapy interventions. Christiane is fluent in French, allowing her to communicate effectively and empathetically with her patients, ensuring they feel heard, understood, and supported throughout their healing process.

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

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).

Common Msk

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.

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

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Christiane. 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 la MCQ - CHAUR, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Christiane frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery is preventing you from fully enjoying challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing, Christiane offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Patients often come to Christiane feeling defeated by that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began and resuming setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• For those whose feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be has made managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain seem like a distant memory, Christiane's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Christiane practices at CIUSSS de la MCQ - CHAUR, situated in the Cap-de-la-Madeleine Sector West neighborhood of Trois-Rivières. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Les Rivières Mall and is accessible via Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

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 Physiothérapeute 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 types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CIUSSS de la MCQ - CHAUR treat?

Christiane Bertrand treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (e.g., herniated discs, radiculopathy), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (like CNESST / WCB / WorkSafe Claim Rehabilitation), and nerve pain. She also has specialized skills in areas like General Physiotherapy Practice and specialized areas. Treatments often involve Core Stability & Strengthening Training, Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified), and patient education to help patients achieve their functional goals.

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 use private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC (if meeting their criteria) might be covered, but private clinic physiotherapy is usually not. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many provide significant coverage for physiotherapy services.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiothérapeute can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Is there parking available at or near CIUSSS de la MCQ - CHAUR?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Metered street parking is generally available on nearby streets, and there is also a paid public parkade located one block east of our clinic. Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to or underneath our building. Always check local signage for restrictions.

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, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment.

CIUSSS de la MCQ - CHAUR
1991, Boulevard du Carmel
Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 3R9

Phone: (819) 697-3333

Christiane Bertrand 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.