Joanie Dumas – Physiotherapy Technologist | Lévis, QC

Joanie Dumas is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CISSS Chaudière-Appalaches in Lévis, QC, Joanie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. Joanie primarily serves adult patients, focusing on optimizing athletic performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation to help her clients achieve their peak physical potential.

With a solid educational foundation in physiotherapy and extensive clinical experience, Joanie continuously advances her skills through ongoing professional development. She has developed particular expertise in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring, ensuring her approaches are evidence-based and tailored to each individual’s needs. Her hands-on, performance-oriented approach aims to empower active individuals to return to and excel in their athletic pursuits while reducing the risk of future injuries.

Joanie’s practice philosophy emphasizes empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. She promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Lévis community through proactive physiotherapy interventions. Joanie is fluent in French, ensuring effective communication and personalized care for her diverse clientele.

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

Common Msk

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.

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: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• 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.

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 CISSS Chaudière-Appalaches, 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:

• Rediscover your ability to working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness without the constant burden of tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot. Joanie focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Don't let awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) dictate what you can and cannot do. Joanie offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness, helping you reclaim pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty and enjoy a more functional life.
• Many individuals seek help from Joanie, their physiotherapist, when knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like taking energetic, long walks with your dog every day.

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

Joanie practices at CISSS Chaudière-Appalaches in Lévis, QC, situated in the Saint-Romuald, Saint-Jean-Chrysostome West neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near the Traverse Québec-Lévis (Ferry Terminal) and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapy Technologist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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.

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 called direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify with your insurance provider before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

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 through private insurance. Care received within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to check your private insurance plans and RAMQ's current policies for detailed coverage information.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapy Technologists at CISSS Chaudière-Appalaches treat?

Joanie and her colleagues treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, sports injuries, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, nerve pain, and overuse injuries. Treatments often involve therapeutic exercise, modality application such as laser therapy or cryotherapy, and patient education tailored to active lifestyles.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The initial appointment involves a comprehensive assessment. Joanie will discuss your specific issue, medical history, and treatment goals. She will then perform physical tests to evaluate your movement, strength, and areas of concern. This session aims to establish a clear understanding of your condition to develop an effective, personalized treatment plan. You may also receive initial hands-on care and a set of home exercises to start your recovery.

CISSS Chaudière-Appalaches
975, Rue de la Concorde, # 120
Lévis, QC G6W 8A7

Phone: (418) 338-7777

Joanie Dumas 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.