Isabelle Vachon – Physiotherapist | Rimouski, QC

Isabelle Vachon is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Physiothérapie Mouvement Plus in Rimouski, 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). Her approach emphasizes understanding each individual's unique needs, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their recovery and wellness journey.

With a focus on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal and balance-related conditions, Isabelle offers specialized assessment and treatment for issues such as muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament injuries. This includes everything from acute sprains and strains to managing chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. She also provides expert care for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system problems, aiming to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and decrease fall risk across all ages—from older children (5+) to seniors.

Isabelle’s extensive education and experience underpin her compassionate and evidence-based practice. She holds a university master's degree in Physiotherapy and has developed particular interests in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation. She remains committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring her techniques incorporate the latest research and best practices. Her practice philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning, promoting preventive care, and fostering long-term wellness through clear education and practical self-management strategies. Isabelle is fluent in both English and French.

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

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy management of acute and persistent symptoms of a concussion, including addressing associated neck pain/dysfunction (cervicogenic component), vestibular (balance/dizziness) issues, oculomotor (eye movement) problems, and exertional intolerance.

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• 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: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• 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).

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

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• 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.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Targeted exercises and strategies designed by your Physiotherapist to improve your stability, coordination, lower limb strength, and body awareness (proprioception), thereby reducing your risk of falls, particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with balance impairments.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• 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.

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 Physiothérapie Mouvement Plus, 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:

• Many individuals seek help from Isabelle, their physiotherapist, when trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like playing a full game of recreational hockey with your friends.
• Isabelle frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• Struggling with the frustration of difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain? Isabelle develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain. This is key to helping you get back to doing tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Isabelle practices at Physiothérapie Mouvement Plus, situated in a modern clinic located in the heart of Rimouski’s central neighborhood. The facility is conveniently positioned near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care as part of their daily routines. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to access physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your appointment to understand any specific requirements.

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 Physiothérapie Mouvement Plus offers direct billing and your plan allows it, 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?

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans. They can also perform certain restricted activities if they hold specific attestations. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

What are Physiothérapie Mouvement Plus's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (your contact number) or check our website for the most current hours and practitioner availability.

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 usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care received in public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your insurance plan for coverage details.

Physiothérapie Mouvement Plus
92, Rue 2e O, bureau 24
Rimouski, QC G5L 8B3

Phone: (418) 727-8773 | Website: Www.physiomouvementplus.com

Isabelle Vachon 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.