Christine St-Denis

Christine St-Denis provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.

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

• Christine believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain is hindering your ability to playing your musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods, a personalized plan focusing on successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery can make all the difference.
• Living with trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury doesn't have to be your norm. Christine applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of attending and enjoying your children's or grandchildren's sporting events.
• Patients often come to Christine feeling defeated by tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort and resuming working on detailed woodworking projects in your shop without hand pain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Christine practices at Ekinox, situated in a modern clinic located in the heart of Vaudreuil-Dorion. The clinic is conveniently positioned in the central neighborhood, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Close to local community services and pharmacies, the facility is well-integrated into the community's health network. Public transit routes serve the area, ensuring accessible transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapy Technologist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

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).

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

[Generate a brief, accurate answer about Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) coverage for physiotherapy in QC.
For AB (AHCIP): State that AHCIP provides limited coverage for some physiotherapy services, typically after hospital discharge or for specific low-income individuals/seniors through particular programs. Most outpatient private clinic physiotherapy is NOT directly covered by AHCIP for the general population. Advise checking current AHCIP details and their private insurance.
For BC (MSP): Explain that MSP provides partial coverage (a set amount per visit) for a limited number of physiotherapy visits (currently 10 combined per year for supplementary benefits including physio, chiro, massage, etc.) ONLY for eligible individuals with lower incomes (e.g., those on Premium Assistance). Most patients will have a co-payment and will rely on private insurance for full coverage. Advise checking MSP eligibility and their private insurance.
For ON (OHIP): State clearly that OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most of the population. Mention that publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams, but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists). Strongly advise checking private insurance for private clinic coverage.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapy Technologist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You’ll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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, which is known as direct access. However, while a referral is not required to receive treatment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor’s note for reimbursement. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm their requirements.

Ekinox
11, Boulevard de la Cité-des-Jeunes, Suite 101
Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC J7V 0N3

Phone: (450) 455-0111 | Website: ekinox.ca

Christine St-Denis 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.