Émilie Kirouac – Physiotherapist | Rimouski, QC

Émilie Kirouac is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CISSS du Bas Saint-Laurent (CLSC Rimouski) in Rimouski, QC. Émilie is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her approach emphasizes a thorough understanding of each patient's unique condition, ensuring tailored treatment plans that promote optimal recovery and functional improvement.

Émilie's physiotherapy practice addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. In addition, Émilie manages acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, including COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Her interventions involve breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, exercise prescription, and patient education to support respiratory and cardiovascular health. She serves older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors with a compassionate and evidence-based approach.

Émilie completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that fuels her ongoing commitment to professional development. She has developed particular interest and expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies to ensure lasting results. Émilie values a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to help them achieve their movement and functional goals. She is fluent in French and English.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• 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.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

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

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Émilie. 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 CISSS du Bas Saint-Laurent (CLSC Rimouski), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Émilie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Émilie feeling defeated by feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors and resuming playing fetch with your dog in the park for an extended time becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Many individuals seek help from Émilie, their physiotherapist, when needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again.
• If a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck is preventing you from fully enjoying returning to a specific physical hobby you had to give up due to pain, Émilie offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Émilie's practice is situated within CISSS du Bas Saint-Laurent (CLSC Rimouski), located in the central neighborhood of Rimouski. The clinic is housed in a modern, accessible facility close to various community services and pharmacies, making it convenient for patients to access. The location is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring easy transportation options for visitors. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiothérapeute will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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 there parking available at or near CISSS du Bas Saint-Laurent (CLSC Rimouski)?

Our clinic has a small number of dedicated parking spots at the rear of the building, accessible via the alley behind the clinic. Additional street parking is available on nearby streets. Always check local signage for restrictions and time limits.

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

Generally, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and review your private insurance plans, as many offer coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly, without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy before your appointment to confirm any specific requirements.

CISSS du Bas Saint-Laurent (CLSC Rimouski)
165, Rue des Gouverneurs
Rimouski, QC G5L 7R2

Phone: (418) 727-5493

Émilie Kirouac 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.