Florence Lamontagne – Physiotherapist | Chicoutimi, QC

Florence Lamontagne is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CIUSSS SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN in Chicoutimi, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered physiotherapy care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her approach emphasizes a comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plans to address each patient's unique needs, promoting optimal recovery and functional improvement.

With a focus on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, Florence assists individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing their quality of life. Her expertise includes managing conditions such as sports injuries, post-operative rehabilitation, arthritis, and neurological disorders like stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's Disease. She also serves many senior patients, helping them maintain independence and improve their overall well-being.

Florence completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience, demonstrating a strong dedication to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. She has developed special interests in Orthopedic, Musculoskeletal, and Neurological physiotherapy, continually updating her skills to provide the most effective interventions. Her practice philosophy centers on a collaborative, educational approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and health goals. Florence is fluent in French, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for her French-speaking patients.

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

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendons), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, cognitive difficulties ('brain fog', memory issues), fatigue, and emotional changes. Post-Concussion Syndrome refers to symptoms persisting beyond the typical recovery window.

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

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Florence. 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 CIUSSS SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Florence frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many find that difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy significantly impacts their ability to sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort. Florence helps patients target feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• At Florence's physiotherapy practice, individuals with wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night are guided towards feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as comfortably cooking and meal prepping for your family.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Florence can help you move beyond recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee. The focus is on achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing.

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

Florence practices at CIUSSS SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN, situated within a modern clinic in the central Chicoutimi neighborhood of Chicoutimi. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it accessible for residents and visitors alike. The clinic is easily reached via local public transit routes, ensuring a straightforward journey for those using transit options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiothérapeute to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans do require a doctor's note for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to verify their insurance policies to understand coverage requirements before their first appointment.

Is there parking available at or near CIUSSS SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Additionally, metered street parking is generally available on nearby streets, and a paid public parkade is located one block east of our clinic. Please check local signage for any restrictions or time limits.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures with additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They assist in implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress under supervision.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The required number of sessions varies based on individual factors such as condition severity, chronicity, personal goals, and response to therapy. Florence will discuss a treatment plan and re-evaluate progress regularly to determine the optimal number of sessions for your recovery.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care provided within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting specific criteria. Patients are advised to verify their eligibility with RAMQ and consult their private insurance plans for coverage details.

CIUSSS SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN
222, Rue Saint-Éphrem
Chicoutimi, QC G7G 2W5

Phone: (418) 541-5050

Florence Lamontagne 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.