Clodel Paquin-Jean – Physiotherapist | Baie-Comeau, QC

Clodel Paquin-Jean is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, installation Boisvert in Baie-Comeau, QC. With a strong commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, Clodel adheres to the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her approach emphasizes understanding each patient's unique needs and tailoring treatments to promote optimal recovery and wellness.

Specializing in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal and balance-related conditions, Clodel offers comprehensive assessment and treatment for issues such as joint, muscle, tendon, and ligament problems. Her expertise extends to managing chronic pain, post-operative rehabilitation, and vestibular disorders like dizziness and vertigo. Serving adults and seniors in the Baie-Comeau community, she strives to empower her patients with the knowledge and strategies needed for lasting health improvements.

Clodel completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has developed a keen interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal physiotherapy, as well as Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation. Her clinical experience is complemented by her dedication to ongoing professional development, ensuring her practice remains evidence-based and effective. Fluent in both English and French, Clodel fosters a warm, welcoming environment where patients feel valued and supported throughout their healing journey.

Clodel Paquin-Jean provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Difficulty maintaining stability during standing, walking, or changing positions, which may be due to various factors including age-related changes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal weakness, sensory impairments, or medication side effects, often leading to an increased risk of falls.
• 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.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.

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

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Clodel to witness patients conquer that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work and experience successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing again.
• Tired of feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older interfering with tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence? Clodel uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks and regain your freedom of movement.
• Many find that recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee significantly impacts their ability to managing your personal care routines independently. Clodel helps patients target a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Clodel practices at the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, installation Boisvert, situated in the heart of the central Baie-Comeau neighborhood. This public sector facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care. The clinic is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring patients can reach appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 services directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It's advisable to check your specific insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

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

Many private insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan permits it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiothérapeute will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiothérapeute will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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.

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

Generally, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered under certain eligibility criteria. It is important to verify your individual eligibility with RAMQ and check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many do offer coverage for physiotherapy services in private settings.

CISSS de la Côte-Nord, installation Boisvert
70, Avenue Mance
Baie-Comeau, QC G4Z 1M9

Phone: (418) 589-3701

Clodel Paquin-Jean 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.