Frédérique Ponton – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Frédérique Ponton is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Physio Interactive - Campanile | Clinique Articula in Québec, QC. She 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). Frédérique's approach focuses on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including issues related to muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Her expertise encompasses everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She employs a comprehensive, biopsychosocial approach to help individuals understand and manage persistent pain, with a focus on improving daily function, quality of life, and self-efficacy through education, graded exercise, pacing strategies, and other supportive therapies.

With a background grounded in her physiotherapy degree, Frédérique has developed extensive clinical experience and remains dedicated to ongoing professional development. She has cultivated particular skills and interests in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Chronic Pain Management & Rehabilitation. Her commitment to evidence-based practices ensures that her patients receive the most current, effective treatments tailored to their individual needs. Frédérique believes in fostering a collaborative environment where patients are actively involved in their recovery, emphasizing education and empowerment as key components of her care.

Frédérique's practice philosophy is centered on a patient-focused approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. She places a strong emphasis on continuous learning and integrating the latest research into her practice to deliver optimal outcomes. Fluent in French, Frédérique is able to communicate effectively with her diverse patient population, ensuring clarity and comfort throughout the treatment process.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• 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).

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.

Common Msk

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Improving daily function, energy levels, and reducing pain sensitivity for individuals with fibromyalgia through a carefully progressed and individualized physiotherapy plan.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Personalized physiotherapy programs designed to reduce the impact of chronic pain on your life, helping you to gradually increase activity levels and re-engage in meaningful activities.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Frédérique. 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 Physio Interactive - Campanile | Clinique Articula, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Frédérique frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Don't let recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) dictate what you can and cannot do. Frédérique offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks, helping you reclaim managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain and enjoy a more functional life.
• The path to recovery from numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs and achieving waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness for working on detailed woodworking projects in your shop without hand pain often starts with expert guidance. Frédérique, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Struggling with the frustration of loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury? Frédérique develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities. This is key to helping you get back to doing walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Frédérique practices at Physio Interactive - Campanile | Clinique Articula, situated in a central Québec neighborhood of Québec. This private clinic facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care. The clinic is accessible via various local public transit routes, ensuring that patients can reach their appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

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Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiothérapeute can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiothérapeute will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

What is Physio Interactive - Campanile | Clinique Articula's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost or a set amount like $XX may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiothérapeute will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not usually required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may necessitate one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to confirm with your insurance provider before your appointment to ensure coverage and streamline your treatment process.

Physio Interactive - Campanile | Clinique Articula
3667, Rue du Campanile
Québec, QC G1X 4G5

Phone: (418) 659-4554

Frédérique Ponton 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.