Francine Carrier-Stevens – Physiotherapist | Belleville, ON

Francine Carrier-Stevens is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Quinte Health Care Belleville General Hospital in Belleville, ON, Francine Carrier-Stevens is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Francine Carrier-Stevens's focus is addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Francine Carrier-Stevens serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Francine Carrier-Stevens completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Université de Montréal (Graduating Class of 1981). With extensive clinical experience, Francine Carrier-Stevens is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Francine Carrier-Stevens has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Francine Carrier-Stevens's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Belleville community through proactive physiotherapy. Francine Carrier-Stevens adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Francine Carrier-Stevens offers consultations in English and French.

Francine Carrier-Stevens provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.

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): 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 tendon repairs), 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.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Francine Carrier-Stevens can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Francine Carrier-Stevens, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At Quinte Health Care Belleville General Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Francine Carrier-Stevens frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Are you finding that that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder stops you from enjoying painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache? Francine Carrier-Stevens is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• It's truly rewarding for Francine Carrier-Stevens to witness patients conquer that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity and experience feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in participating in community events and social gatherings more actively again.
• Don't let general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden dictate what you can and cannot do. Francine Carrier-Stevens offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community, helping you reclaim easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips and enjoy a more functional life.
• Francine Carrier-Stevens frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio) and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours.

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

Francine Carrier-Stevens practices at Quinte Health Care Belleville General Hospital, situated in the West Hill, Loyalist neighborhood of Belleville. The clinic is conveniently located near Quinte Mall (North Front St nearby) and is accessible via Belleville Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

Does Quinte Health Care Belleville General Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While Quinte Health Care Belleville General Hospital does not offer direct billing, we provide detailed official receipts that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

Is there parking available at or near Quinte Health Care Belleville General Hospital?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to the hospital. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. Check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

No, you do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist in Ontario. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so it is best to check with your insurer before your appointment.

Quinte Health Care Belleville General Hospital
265 Dundas St. East
Belleville, ON, K8N 5A9

Phone: (613) 969-7400

Francine Carrier-Stevens is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX98

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=31833336-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.