Isabelle Demers – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Isabelle Demers is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at the CIUSSSCN-IRDPQ site St-Louis 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). With a compassionate approach, Isabelle strives to support her patients through personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and goals, fostering a trusting and empowering therapeutic relationship.

Isabelle’s expertise encompasses a broad range of physiotherapy services, focusing on addressing various musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional conditions. Her scope includes managing acute injuries like sprains and strains, chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. She also assists individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing their quality of life after neurological events such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson’s Disease. She welcomes patients of all ages, from infants to 17 years old, ensuring tailored care for every stage of life.

With a solid educational foundation and extensive clinical experience, Isabelle continues to advance her skills through ongoing professional development. She has developed particular interests in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy, ensuring her practice remains evidence-based and up-to-date. Her philosophy centers on empowering patients through education, practical self-management strategies, and active involvement in their rehabilitation journey. Isabelle is fluent in both English and French, allowing her to communicate effectively and compassionately with a diverse range of patients.

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

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.

Common Msk

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

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

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach to help you navigate your recovery after a concussion, promoting symptom resolution and safe resumption of activities.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Isabelle. 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 CIUSSSCN-IRDPQ site St-Louis, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Isabelle frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to getting back to your regular, consistent gym workouts without the constant burden of sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica. Isabelle focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• When my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing managing the physical demands of your job without constant pain, physiotherapy with Isabelle can help you work towards successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Physiotherapy with Isabelle can be a transformative turning point for those affected by feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move. The shared goal is achieving enhanced ability to participate in social and community events, paving the way for you to enjoy getting back to golfing 18 holes without your back acting up and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Isabelle practices at the CIUSSSCN-IRDPQ site St-Louis, situated in a central Québec neighborhood of Québec. The clinic is housed within a public healthcare facility, conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies to support your overall well-being. Easily accessible via multiple public transit routes, the clinic is committed to ensuring ease of access for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair 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 Physiothérapeute 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.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan permits, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiothérapeute to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to begin treatment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider beforehand to ensure coverage and avoid any unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private outpatient physiotherapy is typically not reimbursed by RAMQ. Always verify your eligibility with RAMQ and review your private insurance policies for coverage details.

CIUSSSCN-IRDPQ site St-Louis
2975, Chemin Saint-Louis
Québec, QC G1W 1P9

Phone: (418) 529-9141

Isabelle Demers 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.