Joanie Dame – Physiotherapy Technologist | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Joanie Dame is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at Joanie Dame in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, Joanie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. With a focus on performance and athletic recovery, Joanie specializes in assisting individuals in achieving their movement and functional goals through tailored physiotherapy interventions. Her approach emphasizes active participation, helping clients optimize their physical potential, recover from injuries, and enhance athletic performance.

Joanie's role involves supporting the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by a physiotherapist or physician, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. She works primarily with adult patients, helping them regain strength, flexibility, and endurance necessary for their daily activities and athletic pursuits. Her hands-on techniques and evidence-based practices are designed to facilitate swift and sustainable progress in her clients' performance levels.

Having completed her degree in Physiotherapy, Joanie has gained valuable clinical experience and remains committed to ongoing professional development. She has developed particular interests in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring. Joanie's practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach—working closely with clients to empower them through education, personalized care plans, and practical self-management strategies. Joanie is fluent in English and French, ensuring effective communication with diverse patient populations.

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

Common Msk

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.

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

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.

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

• At Joanie's physiotherapy practice, individuals with that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away are guided towards getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.
• Joanie frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.
• If your baby or child is having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting, or walking, which is preventing you from fully enjoying shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back, Joanie offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a return to activity without pain or discomfort, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Joanie practices at 'Joanie Dame', situated within a reputable physiotherapy clinic in the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The clinic is conveniently located near the Site of the International Balloon Festival, making it an accessible choice for local residents and visitors alike. Easily reachable via Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu, the facility offers flexibility for patients with busy or performance-focused lifestyles. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapy Technologist.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiotherapy Technologist directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to see a Physiotherapy Technologist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to verify their insurance policies before their first appointment.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle within a day or two, please contact us. Your Physiotherapy Technologist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is essential for a successful recovery.

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 hospital or CLSC might be covered under specific circumstances, but private clinic physiotherapy is typically not included. It is recommended to verify eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for coverage details.

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

Many private insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. It is advisable to contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics, including annual maximums, co-payments, referral requirements, and whether direct billing is available. If your plan and our clinic's policies align, we can often bill your insurer directly, simplifying the payment process. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your visit.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapy Technologists at Joanie Dame treat?

Joanie treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and performance-related conditions. This includes issues like sports injuries, tendinopathies, joint problems such as arthritis, post-surgical recovery, nerve pain, and post-concussion symptoms. Treatments often involve therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, modality application like laser or electrical stimulation, and patient education to support recovery and performance enhancement.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, granting autonomy to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They implement treatment plans, assist patients with exercises, apply modalities, and report progress back to the supervising physiotherapist or physician.

Joanie Dame
116, Rue Jean-Talon
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J2W 1S4

Phone: (514) 232-7536

Joanie Dame 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.