Josiane Dugas

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

Common Msk

• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.
• 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.

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

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.

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

• The journey to improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity when faced with persistent shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult is made smoother and more effective with Josiane's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like getting on and off the floor with ease.
• At Josiane's physiotherapy practice, individuals with wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night are guided towards feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Josiane's clinic, common concerns like trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved performance in work-related physical demands. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.

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

Josiane practices at CIUSSS SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN, situated in a convenient central Chicoutimi location. The clinic is housed within a community-focused facility that offers accessible services to residents of Chicoutimi and surrounding areas. It is thoughtfully positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to incorporate their physiotherapy visits into their daily routines. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring that patients from various parts of the community can reach their appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.) directly, without a physician's referral, thanks to the province's emphasis on direct access to physiotherapy services. However, while a referral isn't 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 with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm their specific requirements.

Does CIUSSS SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CIUSSS SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate the process. If direct billing isn't available for your plan, we provide detailed official receipts that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. Patients should always verify their coverage and understand any co-payments, deductibles, or annual limits with their insurance providers, as plans vary widely.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your specific needs and treatment plan.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Coverage varies: in Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Some exceptions exist for care received within public hospitals or CLSCs, or for specific groups like seniors or low-income individuals through certain programs. Most outpatient private physiotherapy services are paid out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Always verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance coverage.

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

If you experience significant or worsening symptoms after a session, such as increased pain, new neurological symptoms, or if soreness persists longer than expected, contact your physiotherapist or our clinic directly for advice. It may be necessary to adjust your treatment plan or schedule a reassessment.

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

A Physiothérapeute has completed a master’s level university education, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans independently. A Physiotherapy Technologist, on the other hand, holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of treatments, supporting physiotherapists and physicians in delivering care, assisting with exercises, and applying modalities under supervision.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area and freedom of movement for exercises. Shorts are recommended for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose T-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally suitable, and you may be provided with a gown if necessary.

CIUSSS SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN
222, Rue Saint-Éphrem
Chicoutimi, QC G7G 2W5

Phone: (418) 543-2221

Josiane Dugas 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.