Corinne Chouinard – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Corinne Chouinard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CHU de Québec (Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement) in Québec, QC, Corinne is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves providing comprehensive physiotherapy services tailored to each individual's needs, utilizing evidence-based practices to promote optimal recovery and functional improvement. Corinne's approach emphasizes education, active patient participation, and personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Corinne's scope of practice encompasses addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and geriatric conditions. She specializes in managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, chronic pain conditions, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, Corinne focuses on the health and mobility of older adults, aiming to improve strength, balance, and independence while reducing fall risk and managing age-related conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis. Her dedication to lifelong learning ensures her techniques remain current and effective in meeting her patients' evolving needs.

With a strong foundation in orthopaedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, as well as a special interest in geriatric health, Corinne continuously advances her expertise through ongoing professional development. She is fluent in French and English, facilitating clear communication and fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship. Corinne's philosophy centers on a patient-centered, evidence-based approach that actively involves her patients in their journey toward improved health and well-being.

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

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.

Geriatric

• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Addressing specific mobility challenges to enhance safety, reduce fall risk, and improve participation in life activities for older adults.
• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Helping seniors stay strong, mobile, active, and independent for longer through tailored exercise and functional rehabilitation programs.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Corinne. 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 CHU de Québec (Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Corinne frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions without the constant burden of pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints). Corinne focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Corinne can help you move beyond facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy). The focus is on waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• Tired of experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy interfering with enduring your daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness? Corinne uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Corinne practices at the CHU de Québec (Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement), situated in a central Québec neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies and is accessible via multiple public transit routes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

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 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 Corinne's practice offers direct billing and your plan permits, 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.

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

[In Quebec, most physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Public hospital or CLSC services may be covered under specific criteria, but private clinic care is typically not. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage.]

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a doctor'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 confirm the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your appointment.

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 and is authorized to perform patient assessments, establish diagnoses, create and modify treatment plans, and perform restricted activities such as spinal manipulations if certified. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress but does not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

Please bring your provincial health card (e.g., RAMQ), any relevant medical reports, recent imaging results, a list of medications, and insurance information if applicable. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment, discussing your symptoms, medical history, and goals. A physical examination follows to identify the root cause of your condition. The therapist will then explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a tailored plan. You may receive initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to commence your rehabilitation.

CHU de Québec (Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement)
1050, Chemin Sainte-Foy
Québec, QC G1S 4L8

Phone: (418) 525-4444

Corinne Chouinard 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.