About
Dr. Matthew Sheppard is a dedicated Chiropraticien practicing at Clinique Avenir Chiropratique in La Tuque, QC. Karine is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec (OCQ). Her approach emphasizes comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plans to address a variety of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, ensuring that each patient receives individualized attention to improve their health and well-being.
With a focus on spinal health and overall wellness, Dr. Matthew Sheppard offers a broad spectrum of chiropractic services designed to optimize function, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life. Serving patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, Dr. Karine integrates evidence-based practices with holistic principles, recognizing the interconnectedness of the nervous system and musculoskeletal health. Her compassionate approach ensures that every patient feels valued and supported throughout their healing journey.
Dr. Matthew Sheppard completed their Doctor of Chiropractic degree and brings clinical experience coupled with a commitment to ongoing professional development. His philosophy centers on providing effective, research-backed care that respects each patient's unique needs and health goals. Fluent in French, Dr. Matthew Sheppard ensures clear communication and personalized service for the diverse community of La Tuque.
Dr. Matthew Sheppard provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions
- Neck Pain (Acute & Chronic): Discomfort, stiffness, or aching in the neck, which can arise suddenly or develop over time, often impacting daily movement and potentially referring pain to the shoulders or arms.
- TMJ / Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Disorders - TMD): Pain, clicking, locking, or limited movement in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often affecting chewing, speaking, and sometimes causing ear pain or headaches.
- Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Ringing or other noises in the ear that may be related to issues in the neck (cervical spine) or jaw (TMJ), which chiropractic care can sometimes influence.
- Dizziness & Vertigo (Cervicogenic & BPPV Management): Helping you find relief from certain types of dizziness and vertigo by addressing underlying musculoskeletal or vestibular (inner ear) causes.
Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions
- Achilles Tendinopathy: Pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling in the Achilles tendon (the large tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone), often resulting from overuse or improper biomechanics.
- Piriformis Syndrome / Deep Gluteal Pain: Addressing buttock and leg pain that may be related to muscular tightness deep in the gluteal region.
Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A rehabilitative approach to gradually restore shoulder mobility and alleviate the discomfort of adhesive capsulitis.
- Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow (Epicondylitis): Pain and tenderness around the elbow joint due to overuse and inflammation of tendons, typically on the outer (tennis elbow) or inner (golfer's elbow) side of the elbow.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Tremblay-Witkowski can assess your needs.
- Postural Assessment & Correction Planning: Detailed analysis of your standing and sitting posture to identify imbalances and provide targeted advice and exercises for correction and pain prevention.
- Functional Movement Screening (e.g., FMS™, SFMA™): Utilizing screens like FMS™ or SFMA™ to analyze your movement quality and pinpoint areas contributing to pain or predisposing you to injury (practitioner certification dependent).
- Radiographic (X-ray) Imaging & Analysis: Diagnostic X-ray evaluation to aid in accurate diagnosis and ensure the safety and appropriateness of care.
- Diversified Technique: Hands-on spinal and extremity manipulations to improve joint mobility and reduce nerve irritation.
- Comprehensive Chiropractic Examination: A thorough assessment including health history, postural analysis, spinal alignment checks, range of motion testing, orthopedic and neurological tests to determine the cause of your concern.
- Surface Electromyography (sEMG) Scan: Utilizing sEMG to objectively assess muscle function and patterns of tension around your spine.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Tremblay-Witkowski. 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 des chiropraticiens du Québec (OCQ).
At Clinique Avenir Chiropratique, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Tremblay-Witkowski frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Experience the significant benefit of feeling a significant release of chronic tension and stress held in their body if you're dealing with sore feet, especially those first steps in the morning. Dr. Karine helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like effortlessly lifting your toddler without that familiar twinge in your back through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
- Patients often share how trouble opening my mouth wide without pain affected their ability to ice skating with your family. With Dr. Karine's help and a focus on getting back to work feeling more comfortable and productive, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
- Imagine being able to kayaking or canoeing on the lake without pain on the outside of my hip (bursitis maybe?) holding you back. Dr. Karine works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as a more positive outlook on their physical capabilities and future health, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
- Dr. Karine frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by feeling generally 'out of alignment' or 'out of whack'. The common goal is improved coordination for both simple and complex tasks, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, rock climbing indoors and outdoors, with greater comfort and ease.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Tremblay-Witkowski, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Located in the heart of La Tuque, Clinique Avenir Chiropratique is situated in a convenient central location within the La Tuque neighborhood. The practice is easily accessible for residents and visitors alike, being close to local community services and pharmacies. The clinic is well-connected via public transit routes, making it straightforward for patients to attend their appointments without hassle. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropraticien in QC?
- In Quebec, chiropractors are considered primary contact healthcare professionals, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a medical referral. However, some private and extended health insurance plans may still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check the specifics of their individual insurance policies to confirm coverage.
- Is there parking available at or near Clinique Avenir Chiropratique?
- Yes, there is free patient parking available directly in front of or behind our building. Limited street parking may also be available nearby, and in some cases, paid parking options are accessible in the vicinity.
- What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?
- Chiropractic care generally progresses through three phases: 1. **Initial Intensive/Relief Care:** Focuses on reducing pain and inflammation, often with more frequent visits. 2. **Corrective/Rehabilitative Care:** Aims to correct underlying dysfunctions, improve strength and flexibility, with decreased visit frequency. 3. **Wellness/Maintenance Care:** Optional periodic visits to maintain improvements and prevent recurrences, tailored to individual needs.
- What does a chiropractor mean by a 'subluxation' or 'joint restriction'?
- A subluxation or joint restriction refers to a joint that isn't moving properly or is misaligned in a way that can impact nerve function and cause discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments are aimed at restoring proper joint mobility and alignment to alleviate symptoms.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- In Quebec, RAMQ does not cover chiropractic services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some limited coverage may exist in hospital settings, but this is uncommon for private practice. Patients are encouraged to verify their private insurance policies and coverage details directly with their providers. For other provinces, coverage varies, and patients should consult their provincial health plans and insurance providers.
Clinique Avenir Chiropratique
18 Carré Paquin
La Tuque, QC G9X 3K6
Phone: (819) 680-3736 | Website: https://www.avenirchiro.com/
Dr. Matthew Sheppard is regulated by the Code des professions in QC and is a member of the Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec (OCQ).
Registration can be verified with the Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec (OCQ).
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.