Julie Bellemare – Physiotherapist | Trois-Rivières, QC

Julie Bellemare is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Julie Bellemare Physio in Trois-Rivières, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Julie’s approach emphasizes a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring optimal recovery and functional improvement. Her focus encompasses addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-surgical conditions, with an emphasis on helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life.

Julie’s expertise spans the management of acute injuries such as sprains and strains, chronic conditions like arthritis, and complex post-operative rehabilitation. She also specializes in assisting individuals recovering from neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson’s Disease. Serving adults and seniors, Julie strives to empower her patients through education, active participation in their recovery process, and promoting preventative care strategies to support long-term wellness.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Julie has developed a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. Her clinical experience is complemented by her commitment to evidence-based practices, ensuring her patients benefit from the most current and effective interventions. Julie’s practice philosophy emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals, fostering independence and confidence in managing their health.

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

Vestibular Balance

• 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.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.

Common Msk

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• 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: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Baseline concussion testing (if offered by the clinic/practitioner) and evidence-based post-injury management to ensure a safe and effective recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
• 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.

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 Julie Bellemare Physio, 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:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs? Julie works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as being able to carry your baby or toddler without straining your back or arms.
• It's truly rewarding for Julie to witness patients conquer needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity and experience much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture again.
• Julie frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like cycling longer distances with your cycling club.

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

Julie Bellemare Physio is situated in the Cap-de-la-Madeleine Sector West neighborhood of Trois-Rivières. The clinic is conveniently located near the Port of Trois-Rivières, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. It is well-connected by public transportation, with services provided by the Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR), ensuring ease of access for those coming from different parts of the city. The facility is a private clinic designed to offer a welcoming and accessible environment for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 typically pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance for coverage. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private extended health insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to improving movement, function, and overall well-being. A Physiothérapeute uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercises, manual therapy, and patient education to assess, diagnose, and treat injuries, pain, and physical impairments affecting muscles, joints, nerves, and the cardiorespiratory system. It can help reduce pain, restore mobility, facilitate recovery from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance quality of life.

What is Julie Bellemare Physio's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure all patients are accommodated efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours’ notice for any cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the appointment slot to other patients. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact the clinic as soon as possible if you need to alter your appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions required varies based on individual needs and conditions. Some acute issues resolve quickly, while chronic or complex conditions may require longer treatment. Julie will provide an initial estimate after assessment, which will be adjusted as treatment progresses.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally see a Physiothérapeute through direct access without a referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a physician’s referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your first visit.

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

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnoses, and create treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under supervision, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises without diagnosing or establishing plans. Both are regulated by the OPPQ.

Is there parking available at or near Julie Bellemare Physio?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Additional street parking and paid lots are also nearby, offering convenient access. Please check signage for any restrictions or time limits.

Julie Bellemare Physio
3090, Boulevard des Forges
Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 1V5

Phone: (819) 698-5095 | Website: www.juliebellemarephysio.com

Julie Bellemare 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.