Isabelle Menard – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Isabelle Menard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Kinatex - Apex Physio Val-Bélair 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 focus on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-surgical conditions, Isabelle strives to help her patients regain their mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life. Her approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique needs, ensuring effective and sustainable outcomes.

Isabelle's role involves comprehensive assessments, evidence-based interventions, and ongoing support to facilitate recovery and promote wellness. She assists individuals of all ages, from infants and young children dealing with developmental concerns to adults and seniors managing chronic conditions or recovering from injuries. Her expertise encompasses both acute and chronic issues, including arthritis, sports injuries, neurological disorders, and post-operative rehabilitation, always aiming to empower her patients through education and proactive care.

With a solid educational background and extensive clinical experience, Isabelle has developed a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Rehabilitation. She stays actively engaged in professional development, ensuring her practices incorporate the latest evidence and innovative techniques. Fluent in both English and French, Isabelle is dedicated to making her physiotherapy services accessible and effective for Québec's diverse community.

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

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): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

Neurological

• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Supportive physiotherapy care designed to enhance quality of life, manage the physical challenges of various muscle diseases, and promote independence for as long as possible.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Helping individuals with spinal cord injuries achieve their highest level of physical potential through targeted exercises, functional training, equipment prescription, and compensatory strategies.

Common Msk

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

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

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): In-home rehabilitation programs tailored to your living space and functional needs, helping you regain independence with daily activities, manage pain, and improve mobility where you live.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.

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 Kinatex - Apex Physio Val-Bélair, 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:

• Patients often come to Isabelle feeling defeated by my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life and resuming tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Isabelle's clinic, common concerns like widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work and achieved seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio) under the skilled care of Isabelle. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids 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 Kinatex - Apex Physio Val-Bélair, situated in a modern clinic located in the central Québec neighborhood of Québec. The facility is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive health care. The clinic is well-connected via public transit routes, ensuring accessibility for those relying on buses or other transit options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

Patients in Québec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to receive physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance provider before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

What is Kinatex - Apex Physio Val-Bélair'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 $50 may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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

In Québec, RAMQ generally 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 their specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your coverage with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for details regarding physiotherapy reimbursement.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Physiotherapy Technologist in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, and create treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiothérapeute or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises without diagnosing or creating independent treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, and joint manipulations. These interventions aim to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, relax tight muscles, and enhance nerve mobility, all contributing to better movement and function.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

It is helpful to bring your health insurance card, any referral documents, relevant medical test reports (X-rays, MRIs), and comfortable clothing that allows movement. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance details for billing purposes.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not cause significant pain. Some discomfort or mild stretching sensations may occur during treatment, especially in the initial phases, but your physiothérapeute will guide you and modify interventions to ensure your comfort. The goal is to help you feel better, not worse.

Kinatex - Apex Physio Val-Bélair
1147, Boulevard Pie-XI N, # 102
Québec, QC G3K 2P8

Phone: (418) 845-2502 | Website: kinatex.com

Isabelle Menard 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.