Isabelle Roy-Bélanger – Physiotherapist | Rimouski, QC

Isabelle Roy-Bélanger is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent (CHR Rimouski) in Rimouski, QC, Isabelle is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach is rooted in a thorough understanding of musculoskeletal, neurological, and vestibular conditions, ensuring each patient receives personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs. Isabelle’s focus extends beyond immediate symptom relief to fostering long-term health and mobility, empowering her patients to regain confidence and independence in their daily lives.

Within her practice, Isabelle addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She also offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. Her goal is always to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and decrease fall risk, especially among adults and seniors. With a compassionate and community-focused approach, Isabelle strives to create a welcoming environment where patients feel supported throughout their recovery journey.

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

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• 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: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• 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.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, cognitive difficulties ('brain fog', memory issues), fatigue, and emotional changes. Post-Concussion Syndrome refers to symptoms persisting beyond the typical recovery window.

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

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• 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 CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent (CHR Rimouski), 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:

• Living with feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move doesn't have to be your norm. Isabelle applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching your back.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia and achieved a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties under the skilled care of Isabelle. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as maintaining an upright posture while working on your computer for hours with a new lease on life.
• The path to recovery from feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort and achieving feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces for tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence often starts with expert guidance. Isabelle, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Isabelle practices at the CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent (CHR Rimouski), situated in a modern clinic located in the heart of the central Rimouski neighborhood. This Clinique externe de centre hospitalier facility is conveniently positioned close to local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare. The clinic is well-connected by public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for all. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 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 Isabelle or your Quebec healthcare provider directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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

For residents of Quebec, most outpatient physiotherapy services are not directly covered by RAMQ. Some exceptions include physiotherapy received in hospital settings or through specific programs for certain populations, such as seniors or low-income individuals. Patients are generally responsible for payment, but private insurance plans often provide coverage for physiotherapy in private clinics. It is recommended to verify your coverage with RAMQ and your private insurer before scheduling services.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent (CHR Rimouski) treat?

Our Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (including postural and whiplash injuries), joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, nerve pain, dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders. Many treatments involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy beforehand to ensure coverage for direct access physiotherapy services.

CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent (CHR Rimouski)
150, Avenue Rouleau
Rimouski, QC G5L 5T1

Phone: (418) 724-3000

Isabelle Roy-Bélanger 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.