Isabelle Mailhot – Physiotherapist | Shawinigan, QC

Isabelle Mailhot is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CIUSSS MCQ (Hôpital du Centre-de-la-Mauricie) in Shawinigan, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). With a focus on performance and athletic rehabilitation, Isabelle specializes in addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. Her approach encompasses everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation, always aiming to optimize functional recovery and prevent future issues.

In addition to her expertise in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, Isabelle offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. Her goal is to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and decrease fall risk, helping her patients regain confidence in their movement and activity levels. Serving adults and seniors, Isabelle tailors her interventions to meet individual performance goals, whether returning to athletic pursuits or maintaining active daily routines.

Isabelle Mailhot completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has since accumulated valuable clinical experience. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices to deliver optimal care. Her particular interests include Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation. Promoting preventative care and long-term wellness, Isabelle emphasizes proactive physiotherapy strategies that support her patients' performance and overall health. Fluent in French, she communicates effectively with her diverse clientele, ensuring clear understanding and personalized treatment plans.

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

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• 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.

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: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• 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.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• 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 CIUSSS MCQ (Hôpital du Centre-de-la-Mauricie), 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:

• Are you finding that working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery stops you from enjoying managing the physical demands of your job without constant pain? Isabelle is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• When experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing playing in your competitive volleyball league again, physiotherapy with Isabelle can help you work towards improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) and achieved effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle under the skilled care of Isabelle. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips with a new lease on life.

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

Isabelle practices at CIUSSS MCQ (Hôpital du Centre-de-la-Mauricie), located in the central Shawinigan neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access. The clinic is accessible via multiple 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 kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiothérapeute can properly examine and treat the area.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact our clinic or your Quebec healthcare provider directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma and works under supervision, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises, but does not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CIUSSS MCQ treat?

They treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis, sports injuries, nerve pain, and balance disorders. They also offer specialized services like vestibular rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery, and general conditioning to optimize performance and wellness.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care provided directly within hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if specific criteria are met. Patients are advised to verify their eligibility with RAMQ and check their private insurance plans for coverage options.

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, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider prior to your appointment.

CIUSSS MCQ (Hôpital du Centre-de-la-Mauricie)
50, Rue 119e
Shawinigan, QC G9P 5K1

Phone: (819) 536-7522

Isabelle Mailhot 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.