Geneviève Boulay – Physiotherapist | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Geneviève Boulay is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Accès Physio - St-Jean-sur-Richelieu in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, 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). Geneviève’s approach emphasizes a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plans designed to address each patient's unique needs, whether they are recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, or seeking to improve their overall mobility and function.

Her focus encompasses a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal issues, including 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. Specializing in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, Geneviève tailors her care to help athletes of all levels—from recreational to elite—return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. She serves children, adolescents, and adults, ensuring a holistic approach to health and mobility.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Geneviève completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has developed expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Sports Physiotherapy. Her philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. She believes in empowering her patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies that promote lasting results. Geneviève is fluent in French and English, enabling her to effectively communicate and support a diverse patient community.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.

Common Msk

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription (if offered/certified): Providing individualized foot supports created from a precise mold of your feet to improve comfort, alignment, reduce pain, and enhance function during walking, running, or standing.
• Therapeutic & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid): Skilled application of specialized therapeutic tapes to support your recovery, facilitate healing, reduce strain on injured structures, and enhance your performance or confidence during movement.
• Orthopedic Bracing & Support Consultation/Fitting: Helping you choose and correctly use the best brace or support for your specific needs, ensuring proper fit and optimal benefit for your condition.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Geneviève. 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 Accès Physio - St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Geneviève frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Geneviève's clinic, common concerns like tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like walking your children to school or the park.
• Many individuals seek help from Geneviève, their physiotherapist, when an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.
• Don't let hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side dictate what you can and cannot do. Geneviève offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years, helping you reclaim painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Geneviève practices at Accès Physio - St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, situated in the Saint-Jean Sector South/Central neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. This private clinic is conveniently located near the Chambly Canal National Historic Site and is easily accessible via Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, with ample parking generally available close to the entrance, making it easy for patients to access care comfortably.

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).

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

Patients in Quebec can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician's referral, which is known as the direct access model. However, while a referral is not always necessary to begin physiotherapy, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's prescription for reimbursement. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider prior to your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

Is there parking available at or near Accès Physio - St-Jean-sur-Richelieu?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Additional street parking may be available on nearby streets, and a paid public parkade is often located within a short walking distance. Always check local signage for parking restrictions or time limits.

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

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care provided within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic services usually are not. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage options.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your specific coverage. Key points include your annual maximum, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor’s referral is required, and if the clinic can bill directly to your insurer. If direct billing is available and your plan permits, we can often handle billing directly, and you would pay any remaining co-pay or balance at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment for smooth processing.

Accès Physio - St-Jean-sur-Richelieu
383, Boulevard du Séminaire N, bureau 221
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 8C5

Phone: (450) 359-0033

Geneviève Boulay 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.