Julie Côté Lapierre – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Julie Côté Lapierre is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Pelvic Health Focus). Practicing at Femina in Québec, QC, Julie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach centers on providing specialized assessment and treatment for conditions related to the pelvic floor and surrounding regions for all genders. This includes issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal concerns. Additionally, Julie assists 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 serves children, adolescents, and adults, ensuring tailored interventions that address each patient's unique needs and goals.

With a solid foundation in physiotherapy, Julie completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated extensive clinical experience. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices. Julie has developed particular expertise and a keen interest in Pelvic Health Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy, enabling her to deliver comprehensive and effective care for complex conditions. Her commitment to excellence ensures that her patients receive the highest standard of physiotherapy services, fostering recovery and long-term wellness.

Julie's practice philosophy emphasizes empowering patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. She adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Julie believes that informed patients are better equipped to participate in their recovery and maintain improvements independently. She is fluent in English and French, ensuring accessible communication and personalized care for diverse patient populations.

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

Pregnancy Postpartum

• Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Muscle Separation) Assessment & Rehabilitation: Guidance on safe and effective exercises for abdominal wall recovery after pregnancy, addressing diastasis recti and improving overall core integrity.
• C-Section Scar Management and Abdominal Recovery: Physiotherapy techniques to improve the mobility, appearance, and sensation of a Caesarean section (C-section) scar, reduce associated pain, adhesions, or restrictions, and facilitate abdominal muscle recovery and core function.

Neurological

• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Utilizing evidence-based neuroplasticity principles, motor relearning techniques, and task-specific training to help stroke survivors improve movement and achieve their functional goals.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurorehabilitation provided by a Physiotherapist to support functional recovery, improve independence in daily activities, and facilitate community reintegration after a head injury.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Comprehensive physiotherapy focusing on improving strength in available muscles, enhancing functional mobility, and promoting health and wellness after a spinal cord injury.

Pelvic Health

• Prostatitis Symptoms / Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men (Supportive Care): Addressing male pelvic pain, which can manifest as testicular pain, penile pain, or suprapubic discomfort, through specialized physiotherapy techniques targeting musculoskeletal and neuromuscular dysfunctions.
• Constipation / Bowel Dysfunction (Pelvic Floor Related): Improving the coordination, strength, and relaxation of muscles involved in defecation to promote easier and more complete bowel movements.
• Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS - Men & Women): Helping to reduce chronic pain in the pelvis, improve muscle function, desensitize painful areas, and enhance your quality of life when dealing with persistent pelvic pain.
• Urinary Incontinence (Stress, Urge, Mixed - Men & Women): Involuntary loss of urine, which can occur with physical exertion like coughing or jumping (stress incontinence), a strong, sudden urge to urinate (urge incontinence), or a combination of both. Affects both men and women and is often treatable with physiotherapy.

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

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: A holistic and supportive physiotherapy approach to managing the diffuse pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms commonly associated with fibromyalgia.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: A holistic and active approach to managing long-standing pain, empowering you with tools and knowledge for better daily living, increased activity tolerance, and improved mood.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.

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 Femina, 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:

• At Julie's physiotherapy practice, individuals with feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older are guided towards better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as working on detailed woodworking projects in your shop without hand pain.
• Patients often come to Julie feeling defeated by frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor and resuming participating fully in your martial arts practice, including sparring becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• If difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain is preventing you from fully enjoying challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing, Julie offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Julie practices at Femina, a private clinic situated in the central Québec neighborhood of Québec. The clinic is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it accessible for patients from various parts of the city. Easily reachable via public transit routes, the facility is designed to accommodate patients with mobility needs. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions 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?

Patients in Quebec can typically access physiotherapy services directly, without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm their specific requirements. While a referral is not always necessary to receive treatment, having one may facilitate insurance claims and coverage.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, Julie will provide a customized home exercise program tailored to your specific needs. These exercises are carefully selected to target your issues and help you reach your functional goals more effectively. Performing these exercises as recommended is crucial for your progress and maintaining the benefits gained during visits.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While some discomfort or a stretching sensation can occur as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the early stages of treatment for acute injuries or chronic stiffness, it is rarely painful in a harmful way. Julie will guide you through each step, modify treatments to your comfort, and ensure that your experience remains positive. The goal is to help you feel better, not worse.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer coverage for physiotherapy services. It is recommended that you contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your coverage details, including your annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, and whether a referral is required. If your plan allows, our clinic can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You should bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing isn't available, we will provide an official receipt for you to submit to your insurer.

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 through private insurance. Some care received in public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage options. Public physiotherapy services may be accessible in certain situations, such as post-hospitalization or through specific programs, but wait times and eligibility vary.

Femina
1651, Chemin Sainte-Foy
Québec, QC G1S 2P1

Phone: (418) 440-9068 | Website: https://www.cliniquefemina.com/

Julie Côté Lapierre 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.