Julie Allard – Physiotherapist | L’Assomption, QC

Julie Allard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CISSS de Lanaudière in L'Assomption, QC, Julie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. She specializes in tailoring rehabilitation programs that address the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, and balance, while also managing age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis. Her approach emphasizes reducing fall risk and promoting independence, helping her patients regain confidence and actively participate in their daily lives.

Julie Allard completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated extensive clinical experience. She is deeply committed to ongoing professional development and adheres to evidence-based practices to ensure her patients receive the most current and effective treatments. Julie has developed particular expertise and interest in Neurological Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy, enabling her to provide specialized care for patients with complex neurological and age-related conditions. Her continuous learning ensures she stays at the forefront of advancements in her field, offering her patients innovative and effective rehabilitation strategies.

Her practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness within the L'Assomption community through a collaborative, proactive approach. Julie works closely with her patients to set realistic, achievable movement and functional goals, empowering them to take an active role in their recovery. She believes in fostering a supportive environment where education, personalized treatment plans, and patient engagement are key. Julie is fluent in French and English, facilitating clear communication and personalized care for a diverse patient population.

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

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

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.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.

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

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Evidence-based neurological rehabilitation focused on harnessing neuroplasticity, motor learning principles, and task-specific training to help regain lost skills and adapt to new ways of moving.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.

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

• The journey to increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings when faced with persistent wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night is made smoother and more more effective with Julie's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably.
• For those whose swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment has made attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation seem like a distant memory, Julie's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Many individuals seek help from Julie, their physiotherapist, when trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.

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

Julie practices at the CISSS de Lanaudière, situated within a modern clinic in the central neighborhood of L'Assomption. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access a comprehensive range of health and wellness resources in one accessible location. The clinic is well-served by local public transit routes, ensuring that those relying on public transportation can reach their appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiothérapeute will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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

In Quebec, most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance plans. However, services received within hospitals or CLSCs may be covered under specific conditions. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services.

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

A Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) in Quebec holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, and create treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or independently plan treatments. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

No, patients in Quebec can typically access physiotherapy services directly, known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is recommended. For lower-body treatments, shorts are helpful, while for upper-body issues, a tank top or loose T-shirt is suitable to facilitate examination and treatment.

CISSS de Lanaudière
410, Boulevard de l'Ange-Gardien
L'Assomption, QC J5W 1S7

Phone: (450) 368-1871 | Website: www.cisss-lanaudiere.gouv.qc.ca

Julie Allard 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.