Dr. Christine Fournier

As a Médecin spécialiste en médecine physique et réadaptation (Physiatre), Dr. Christine Fournier addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Addressing the underlying biomechanical factors contributing to overuse injuries and implementing strategies for recovery and prevention.
• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Helping athletes recover from injury, regain strength and flexibility, and safely return to their sport.

Neurological Conditions

• Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident - CVA) Rehabilitation: Post-stroke care focusing on maximizing recovery of motor function, speech, cognition, and independence in daily activities.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Diagnosing and managing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by damage to peripheral nerves (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy).

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Managing pain arising from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, such as diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, or radicular pain.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Treatment aimed at reducing severe pain, swelling, skin changes, and functional impairment associated with CRPS.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Fournier, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Diagnostic procedures to evaluate the health of muscles and the nerves that control them.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Non-invasive imaging to visualize musculoskeletal structures and guide therapeutic interventions.
• Medication Management for Pain & Spasticity: Expert prescription and monitoring of analgesic medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and medications for neuropathic pain or spasticity.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with TBI improve cognitive function, physical abilities, and psychosocial adjustment.
• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Goal-oriented rehabilitation planning to help patients regain independence and improve their ability to perform daily activities.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Fournier. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Christine Fournier adhere to the scope of practice for Médecin spécialiste en médecine physique et réadaptation (Physiatre)s in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At CISSS Montérégie Ouest CRDP Saint-Hubert, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Fournier frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When patients discuss wanting to improve their posture and body mechanics to reduce strain, Dr. Fournier outlines a path to successfully navigating the challenges of a new diagnosis with expert guidance, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably engaging in light exercises like swimming or cycling.
• Dr. Fournier provides dedicated support for patients going through their persistent low back pain making it hard to sit or stand for long, always aiming for positive outcomes like feeling more hopeful and positive about their future despite their physical challenges, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as writing or typing without hand pain or fatigue.
• For those affected by their work-related injury preventing them from performing their job duties, Dr. Fournier provides solutions that lead to being able to participate more fully in family and social life. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to participating in rehabilitation therapies actively and effectively.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Fournier about feeling very stiff and having trouble moving because of their Parkinson's is to attain feeling stronger and more capable in their daily movements. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like performing household repairs or light maintenance tasks.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Fournier, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Fournier is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Fournier's practice, CISSS Montérégie Ouest CRDP Saint-Hubert, is situated in a central location within the Saint-Hubert neighbourhood of Saint-Hubert. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Fournier at CISSS Montérégie Ouest CRDP Saint-Hubert?

The first visit with Dr. Fournier will typically involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current symptoms, how these symptoms impact their daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Fournier will then perform a thorough physical examination, which may focus on the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, spine) and/or neurological system depending on the presenting problem. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT) or test results will be reviewed. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Fournier will discuss her diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with the patient to establish functional goals.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Fournier covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Fournier are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral if required by the plan or clinic. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain types of injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees for materials or facility use. It's always best for patients to inquire with CISSS Montérégie Ouest CRDP Saint-Hubert about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Fournier?

Yes, in QC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Fournier for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Fournier has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Fournier recommend them?

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly and well electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. Fournier might recommend these electrodiagnostic tests to help diagnose conditions such as pinched nerves (radiculopathy), carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve or muscle problems, guiding further treatment.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Fournier treats?

Dr. Fournier treats a variety of conditions, including the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. Dr. Fournier focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Fournier do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Fournier is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities resulting from injury (e.g., sports injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury), illness (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis), or chronic pain. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

CISSS Montérégie Ouest CRDP Saint-Hubert
5300 ch Chambly
Saint-Hubert, QC, J3Y 3N7

Phone: (450) 676-7447

Dr. Christine Fournier is a licensed Médecin spécialiste en médecine physique et réadaptation (Physiatre) in QC, regulated by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec).

License Number: 95240

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=95240

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Fournier. Dr. Fournier and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.