Johanne Savard-Belanger

Johanne Savard-Belanger provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Difficulty maintaining stability during standing, walking, or changing positions, which may be due to various factors including age-related changes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal weakness, sensory impairments, or medication side effects, often leading to an increased risk of falls.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.

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.

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

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Tailored exercise prescription, education on safe movement, manual therapy (gentle techniques), and functional training to help seniors maintain their independence, enhance safety in their home and community, and promote active and healthy aging.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Helping seniors regain their physical capacity, reduce dependency, and improve their ability to manage at home safely and effectively.

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

• The path to recovery from general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden and achieving achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small for dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations often starts with expert guidance. Johanne, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Tired of recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery interfering with participating fully in your martial arts practice, including sparring? Johanne uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio) and regain your freedom of movement.
• Johanne frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably.

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

Johanne practices at Clinique de physiothérapie MRP Inc., located in the central Sainte-Julie neighborhood of Sainte-Julie. This private clinic facility is conveniently situated near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access quality physiotherapy care. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring that patients from various parts of the community can reach her practice with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 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 the specific requirements of your insurance provider before your appointment.

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 utilize private insurance. Care received directly in a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private outpatient physiotherapy remains an out-of-pocket expense or covered via private plans. Always verify your coverage details with RAMQ and your insurance provider.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, physiotherapy is effective in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Johanne can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, or postural issues, and develop targeted exercises and education to reduce your risk of injury or re-injury, helping you stay active and pain-free.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It is best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated and permits movement for exercises. Shorts are suitable for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt is recommended for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally appropriate, and you may be provided with a gown if necessary.

Clinique de physiothérapie MRP Inc.
508-A, Avenue Jules-Choquet
Sainte-Julie, QC J3E 1W6

Phone: (450) 922-2828 | Website: www.physiomrp.com

Johanne Savard-Belanger 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.