Josée Vachon – Physiotherapy Technologist | Saint-Hyacinthe, QC

Josée Vachon is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CISSS MONTÉRÉGIE-EST in Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Josée is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She plays a vital role in supporting patients' recovery and functional improvement by assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding individuals through tailored therapeutic exercises, and applying various modalities. Her focus is on providing comprehensive care to adults and seniors, ensuring each patient receives personalized attention to meet their specific needs.

Josée's approach emphasizes evidence-based practice, ongoing professional development, and active patient engagement. She believes in empowering individuals through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies that foster lasting results. Her dedication to continuous learning ensures she stays current with the latest physiotherapy techniques and innovations, allowing her to deliver effective, safe, and efficient treatments. Josée is fluent in French, enabling her to communicate clearly and compassionately with her diverse patient population.

With a strong foundation in physiotherapy techniques, Josée has developed specialized skills in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring. Her experience and ongoing training reflect her commitment to excellence and her passion for helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life. She values a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting, fostering a collaborative environment for optimal health outcomes.

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

Common Msk

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.

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

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• 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.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.

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

• In cases like scoliosis, Josée guides patients towards improved postural balance, reducing the risk of falls and enabling them to participate comfortably in daily activities like walking or household tasks.
• Patients recovering from shoulder or back pain often regain confidence in their movement, with tailored exercises and ergonomic advice that facilitate safe, effective recovery, allowing for activities like lifting, reaching, or sports participation.
• Josée supports patients in recovering from hand or wrist surgeries, helping them regain dexterity and strength to resume hobbies, work tasks, or daily routines, ultimately enhancing independence and quality of life.

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

Josée practices at CISSS MONTÉRÉGIE-EST, located in a central clinic within the Saint-Hyacinthe neighborhood of Saint-Hyacinthe. This public healthcare facility offers accessible care close to community services and pharmacies, making it convenient for patients to attend appointments. The clinic is easily reachable via local public transit routes, ensuring convenient access for individuals using public transportation. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapy Technologist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. Addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modifications can help reduce initial injury risk, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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 program, granting them the autonomy to assess, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They may perform advanced procedures if qualified. In contrast, a Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They assist physiotherapists or physicians by implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress, playing a crucial role in patient care.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to improving movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapy Technologist uses evidence-based techniques such as targeted exercises, manual therapy, and patient education to assess, diagnose, and treat injuries, pain, and physical impairments affecting muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and the cardiorespiratory system. It can help reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgeries, prevent future injuries, and enhance quality of life.

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. Some coverage may be available if the care is received directly in a public hospital or CLSC under specific circumstances, but private outpatient physiotherapy is typically not covered. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many provide coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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. Before your first appointment, it is advisable to contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage specifics, including your annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and whether direct billing is available. If your plan and the clinic support direct billing, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion, and you would only pay any remaining co-payment or balance at the time of service. Remember to bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment for seamless processing.

CISSS MONTÉRÉGIE-EST
2750, Boulevard Laframboise
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 4Y8

Phone: (450) 773-5333

Josée 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.