Diane Meunier – Physiotherapist | Jonquière, QC

Diane Meunier is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS de Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean in Jonquière, QC, Diane is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her focus is on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Diane’s approach emphasizes helping individuals recover function, improve mobility, manage symptoms, and enhance their quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson’s Disease, serving adults and seniors.

With a solid educational background and extensive clinical experience, Diane completed her degree in Physiotherapy and continuously updates her skills through ongoing professional development. She has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy, ensuring her treatments are evidence-based and tailored to each patient's unique needs. Diane’s commitment to excellence is reflected in her collaborative and patient-centered philosophy, actively involving her clients in their treatment planning and goal setting to achieve optimal outcomes.

Fluent in French, Diane values clear communication and works closely with her patients to foster a supportive and motivating environment. Her practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working together with patients to reach their movement and functional goals efficiently and confidently.

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

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.

Common Msk

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

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

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• 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.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Helping you stay steady on your feet and maintain your independence through targeted balance and coordination exercises, and practical fall prevention education.

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

• For those whose recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) has made dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks seem like a distant memory, Diane's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved circulation and tissue healing. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Many find that general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden significantly impacts their ability to taking energetic, long walks with your dog every day. Diane helps patients target enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Struggling with the frustration of pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard? Diane develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction. This is key to helping you get back to doing playing in your competitive volleyball league again with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Diane's practice is located within the CIUSSS de Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean in the central Jonquière neighborhood of Jonquière. The clinic is situated in a modern healthcare facility that offers easy access for patients from the surrounding community. It is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it simple for patients to combine their physiotherapy sessions with other errands or appointments. The clinic is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring that patients can reach their appointments without difficulty. 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?

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 treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiothérapeute will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

How can I book an appointment at CIUSSS de Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (418) 290-5663 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website at . Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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 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. For QC (RAMQ): Explain that RAMQ generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Mention that care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC (if meeting their criteria) might be covered, but private clinic physiotherapy is usually not. Emphasize reliance on private insurance. Universal advice for all: Strongly advise patients to verify their specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) and to always check their private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.]

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute 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 your insurance policy to confirm their specific requirements before your first visit.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiothérapeute will start by discussing your medical history, current symptoms, concerns, and your goals for physiotherapy. This will be followed by a thorough physical examination, including evaluation of your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and movement patterns, as well as special tests relevant to your condition. Based on the findings, your therapist will provide a diagnosis or clinical impression, discuss a personalized treatment plan, and often initiate some initial treatment or education to start your recovery process.

CIUSSS de Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
2230, Rue de l'hôpital
Jonquière, QC G7X 7X2

Phone: (418) 290-5663

Diane Meunier 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.