Julie Mercier

Julie Mercier 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): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.

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

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• 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.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.

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 du Bas-St-Laurent, Kamouraska, 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 awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis)? Julie works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as handling your job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
• Many find that feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move significantly impacts their ability to driving for longer periods without neck or back pain. Julie helps patients target sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Don't let experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy dictate what you can and cannot do. Julie offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort, helping you reclaim performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Julie practices at CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent, Kamouraska, situated in a modern clinic located in the central La Pocatière neighborhood of La Pocatière, QC. This public healthcare facility is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for all visitors. 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 plans for coverage. Some care received directly within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if specific criteria are met. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many provide substantial coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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

In Quebec, patients can usually access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm any specific documentation requirements.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and plays a vital role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by physiotherapists or physicians, assisting with exercises, and applying modalities under supervision.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions required varies depending on individual needs, conditions, and goals. Some acute issues may resolve within a few sessions, while chronic or complex conditions might need longer-term care. Your Physiothérapeute will provide an estimated treatment plan after your initial assessment and adjust it as needed throughout your care.

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

If you experience significant worsening of symptoms, increased pain, or new concerning signs following a session, contact Julie promptly. While some soreness can be normal, persistent or severe symptoms require assessment to ensure appropriate adjustments to your treatment plan. Open communication is essential for effective recovery.

CISSS du Bas-St-Laurent, Kamouraska
1201, 6e Avenue, C.P. 460
La Pocatière, QC G0R 1Z0

Phone: (418) 856-7000

Julie Mercier 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.