Dr. Katherine Dufour-Blais

Dr. Chanita Shum provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of symptoms including neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness following a sudden acceleration-deceleration injury, typically from a car accident.
• Headaches (Cervicogenic, Tension-Type, Migraine Support): Pain in the head, often linked to neck issues (cervicogenic), muscle tension (tension-type), or as a component that chiropractic care can help manage in certain migraine cases by addressing musculoskeletal triggers.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (Cervicogenic & BPPV Management): Assessment and treatment for dizziness originating from neck dysfunction, and management of BPPV symptoms using specific repositioning techniques where appropriate.

Specific Populations & Injury Types

• Work-Related Injuries (RSI, Lifting Injuries): Addressing pain and dysfunction arising from the physical stresses of your job, whether it's heavy lifting or prolonged computer use.
• Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries (e.g., Whiplash, Back Strain): Helping you recover from the physical impact of a car accident with a tailored chiropractic care plan.

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Chronic Pain Syndromes (with Biomechanical Factors): Addressing persistent pain where underlying joint dysfunction, muscle imbalance, nerve irritation, or altered movement patterns are identified as significant contributing factors.
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome / Trigger Points: A chronic pain disorder characterized by the development of sensitive points in muscles (trigger points) that can cause deep, aching pain locally or in seemingly unrelated parts of the body (referred pain).
• Scoliosis (Functional & Pain Management): Providing supportive care for individuals with scoliosis (abnormal spinal curvature), focusing on managing associated musculoskeletal pain, improving posture, addressing muscle imbalances, and enhancing functional capacity.
• Tendinitis / Tendinopathy (Various Regions): Management of various tendinopathies throughout the body, such as rotator cuff tendinitis, patellar tendinopathy, or Achilles tendinopathy, using a multifaceted approach.

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

• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription: Providing personalized foot supports to improve alignment, reduce pain, and enhance comfort.
• Nutritional & Lifestyle Counselling: Providing general advice on diet, supplementation (within scope), exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques to support your overall health, healing, and well-being.
• Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive chiropractic care for injuries sustained in car accidents, such as whiplash, neck pain, back pain, and soft tissue damage, focusing on pain relief and functional restoration.
• Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Helping athletes of all levels recover from injury and achieve their performance goals.
• Concussion Management & Rehabilitation: Assessment, management, and rehabilitation protocols for concussion, focusing on musculoskeletal components, cervicogenic dizziness, and a safe return to activity (requires specialized training).
• Kinesiology Taping / Athletic Taping: Application of elastic therapeutic tape (e.g., Kinesio Tape®) or rigid athletic tape to support joints, reduce pain, manage swelling, facilitate or inhibit muscle function.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Dufour-Blais. 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 Chiropratique Manicouagan (2014) inc., chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Dufour-Blais frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dr. Katherine understands how frustrating wrist pain from typing all day long can be. By aiming for accomplishing physical goals they once thought were out of reach, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like enjoying your brisk morning walks with the dog, no matter the weather with renewed confidence.
• Getting back to confidently going up and down multiple flights of stairs effortlessly after struggling with painful thumbs or wrists making tasks difficult is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Katherine's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to being able to lift everyday objects without the fear of pain or re-injury and a return to a more active life.
• Dr. Katherine frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by constant dull headaches making focusing hard. The common goal is experiencing significant relief from nagging lower back pain, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, getting a full night's restful sleep, with greater comfort and ease.
• Overcoming arthritis in my knee making it ache constantly to achieve better tolerance for physical activity without experiencing significant post-activity pain and resume basic daily movements without thinking about pain is a common success story at Dr. Katherine's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.

Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Dufour-Blais, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Clinique Chiropratique Manicouagan (2014) inc. is situated in the heart of Baie-Comeau, in a central neighborhood that is easily accessible by public transit. The clinic is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it simple for patients to incorporate their chiropractic visits into their daily routines. The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all patients can receive care comfortably. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby, providing added convenience for those arriving by vehicle.

What is Clinique Chiropratique Manicouagan (2014) inc.'s appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that life happens! However, to ensure we can accommodate all our patients, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. Appointments missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes.

What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care often progresses through a few general phases: 1. Initial Intensive/Relief Care: This phase focuses on reducing your immediate pain, inflammation, and discomfort. Visits may be more frequent during this stage. 2. Corrective/Rehabilitative Care: Once symptoms are under control, the focus shifts to correcting underlying joint dysfunction, improving muscle strength and flexibility, and restoring normal movement patterns. Visit frequency usually decreases. 3. Wellness/Maintenance Care (Optional): Some patients choose periodic visits to maintain their improvements, prevent recurrences, and support overall spinal health and well-being. Your Chiropraticien will discuss what's appropriate for your specific situation and goals.

Will I need to get X-rays before starting chiropractic care?

X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Your Chiropraticien will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to determine if X-rays or other imaging studies are clinically necessary. Imaging is typically recommended to rule out more serious conditions such as fractures, significant spinal degeneration, or instability, especially if your condition is not improving as expected with conservative care. Your Chiropraticien will always follow established guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.

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

Chiropractors in Quebec are primary contact healthcare professionals, meaning you can book an appointment directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specifics of your insurance policy.

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

RAMQ does not cover chiropractic services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. If care is received in a hospital setting, coverage may differ, but this is uncommon for private chiropractic practice. Always verify your coverage with your insurance provider or RAMQ.

What does a chiropractor mean by a 'subluxation' or 'joint restriction'?

In chiropractic, a 'vertebral subluxation' or 'joint restriction' refers to a spinal or extremity joint that has lost its normal position or motion. This can irritate surrounding nerves, muscles, and tissues, leading to pain, reduced mobility, or other symptoms. The goal of chiropractic adjustment is to correct these restrictions and restore proper joint function.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my chiropractic appointment?

It is best to wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing that allows for ease of movement. Athletic wear, leggings, a t-shirt, or loose-fitting clothes are suitable. This facilitates easier assessment and treatment. You may be asked to change into a gown for certain examinations if needed.

Clinique Chiropratique Manicouagan (2014) inc.
1388, rue d'Anticosti
Baie-Comeau, QC G5C 3R2

Phone: (418) 589-5890

Dr. Chanita Shum 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.