Dr. Marie-Pierre Croteau

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

Back & Spine Conditions

• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction / Pain: Chiropractic care for SI joint pain, often involving adjustments and exercises to address underlying imbalances.
• Mid-Back Pain (Thoracic Spine Pain / Interscapular Pain): Discomfort, aching, or stiffness in the area between the shoulder blades and below the neck, often related to posture, rib joint issues, or muscle strain in the thoracic spine.

Specific Populations & Injury Types

• Sports Injuries (Acute & Overuse): Helping you recover from common sports injuries like runner's knee, shoulder strains, or ankle sprains, and optimizing your biomechanics for better performance.
• Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries (e.g., Whiplash, Back Strain): Comprehensive rehabilitation programs for individuals injured in MVAs, focusing on pain relief, restoring mobility, and addressing all accident-related physical complaints.
• Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions (e.g., Growing Pains, Postural Concerns): Care for young patients, from babies with torticollis (co-management) to teens with 'text neck' or sports-related strains.
• 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.

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• IT Band Syndrome: Helping athletes and active individuals overcome lateral knee pain related to a tight or irritated IT band.
• Hip Pain (Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinopathy): Discomfort in or around the hip joint, often due to wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis), inflammation of bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint), or tendon issues like gluteal tendinopathy.
• Piriformis Syndrome / Deep Gluteal Pain: Treatment for deep gluteal pain or piriformis syndrome, involving techniques to release the piriformis muscle and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve.

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

• Myofascial Release Technique (MRT): Manual therapy to address restrictions in the myofascial system, enhancing movement and comfort.
• Webster Technique (for Pregnancy): Gentle chiropractic care tailored for pregnancy using the Webster Technique to promote pelvic balance.
• Graston Technique® / IASTM: Targeted therapy with tools like Graston® to address stubborn soft tissue problems.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Application of focused pressure to specific hyperirritable spots (trigger points) within muscles to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and restore normal muscle function.
• Active Release Techniques (ART®): Specialized manual therapy combining precise pressure with active patient movements to resolve soft tissue restrictions.
• Cross-Friction Massage: A specific deep transverse massage technique applied across affected tendons or ligaments to break down adhesions, reduce scar tissue, and promote an optimal healing environment.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Croteau. 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 Prana Chiropratique, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Croteau frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Experience the significant benefit of being able to sit for longer periods comfortably, whether for work or leisure if you're dealing with limited mobility in my [back/neck/shoulder/hip/knee]. Dr. Marie-Pierre helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like enjoyably cooking and meal prepping healthy food for the week through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
• If tendonitis pain in my [shoulder/elbow/knee/achilles] is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying simply relaxing on the couch with your family or pets without any underlying pain, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Marie-Pierre focuses on achieving turning their head fully and comfortably again, making driving and daily tasks easier so you can engage in the things you love again.
• Getting back to rock climbing indoors and outdoors after struggling with chronic pain from a previous accident is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Marie-Pierre's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to finding that headaches are far less frequent and intense, improving focus and mood and a return to a more active life.
• Overcoming weak ankles that seem to twist easily to achieve a better understanding of their condition and effective self-care strategies and resume participating fully in your weekly adult soccer league game is a common success story at Dr. Marie-Pierre's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.

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

Dr. Croteau's practice at Prana Chiropratique is situated in a modern clinic located in the heart of the central Chicoutimi neighborhood of Chicoutimi. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to integrate their chiropractic appointments into their daily routines. Accessibility is a priority, with the clinic easily reachable via various local public transit routes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Quebec, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) does not cover chiropractic services performed in private clinics. Patients are responsible for payment or can use private insurance to cover these costs. For hospital-based chiropractic care, coverage may vary, but this is quite rare. It is advisable to verify your specific coverage with RAMQ and consult your private insurer for details.

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

X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Dr. Croteau will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to determine if imaging is necessary. Imaging is typically recommended to rule out serious conditions such as fractures or pathology, assess for spinal degeneration or instability, or if your condition is not improving as expected with conservative care. All imaging decisions adhere to established diagnostic guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.

What kind of education and training do chiropractors in Canada receive?

Canadian chiropractors complete a rigorous post-secondary education, earning a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. This program generally requires at least three years of undergraduate university studies followed by four years at an accredited chiropractic college. The curriculum includes comprehensive training in basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, and biomechanics, as well as clinical sciences like diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and differential diagnosis. Extensive hands-on clinical internships are part of the program. Graduates must pass demanding national and provincial board examinations to obtain licensure to practice.

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

A subluxation or joint restriction refers to a joint that is 'stuck' or not moving properly. This can cause pain, stiffness, and may interfere with nerve function passing nearby. Chiropractors are trained to identify and correct these dysfunctions through precise adjustments to restore normal joint movement and function.

Can children and babies receive chiropractic care?

Yes, chiropractic care is safe and can be very beneficial for children of all ages, including infants. Techniques are modified to be gentle and appropriate for each child's size and developmental stage. Common reasons for pediatric chiropractic care include concerns related to posture, recovery from minor falls or sports-related injuries, supporting spinal health during growth spurts, or addressing issues like colic or feeding difficulties in infants.

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

No. In Quebec, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, so patients can book an appointment directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may still require a medical referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify the requirements of your insurance provider.

Prana Chiropratique
8, rue Racine Ouest
Chicoutimi, QC G7J 1E2

Phone: (418) 973-7778 | Website: https://pranachiropratique.ca/

Dr. Tara Drobot 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.