Julie Vaillancourt – Physiotherapist | Trois-Rivières, QC

Julie Vaillancourt is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Vestibular & Balance Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CIUSSS de la MCQ - CHAUR in Trois-Rivières, QC, Julie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves offering specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. Julie’s approach aims to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and decrease fall risk, helping her patients regain confidence in their movement. She emphasizes tailored interventions to meet the unique health needs of each individual, focusing on both recovery and prevention.

Julie also dedicates herself to serving adults and seniors, focusing on maintaining and enhancing mobility, strength, and balance. Her practice involves managing age-related conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis, with the goal of reducing fall risk and promoting overall quality of life and independence. Through her expertise, she strives to empower her patients to stay active and engaged in their daily activities, regardless of age or physical limitations.

With a strong foundation in physiotherapy education and ongoing professional development, Julie has developed particular interest and skills in Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health. Her practice philosophy is centered around empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Julie is fluent in English and French, ensuring effective communication with her diverse patient population.

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

Neurological

• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: May include specific facial exercises, neuromuscular re-education (PNF for the face), biofeedback, electrical stimulation (if appropriate), massage, and strategies to improve facial movement, symmetry, reduce synkinesis (unwanted movements), and manage eye care.
• 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.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy aimed at improving mobility (e.g., walking, transfers), balance, strength, coordination, sensation, and daily function (e.g., dressing, self-care) after a stroke (cerebrovascular accident).
• 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.

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): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• 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.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.

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

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.

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 CIUSSS de la MCQ - CHAUR, 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:

• Struggling with the frustration of that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder? Julie develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day. This is key to helping you get back to doing walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Don't let trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury dictate what you can and cannot do. Julie offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress, helping you reclaim attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout and enjoy a more functional life.
• Are you finding that wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night stops you from enjoying maintaining your balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails? Julie is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Julie practices at CIUSSS de la MCQ - CHAUR, situated in the Cap-de-la-Madeleine Sector West neighborhood of Trois-Rivières. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near the historic Vieille Prison de Trois-Rivières and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR). The clinic is designed to accommodate patients with mobility challenges, ensuring a welcoming environment for all. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some coverage may be available if the care is received directly within a public hospital or CLSC, depending on specific eligibility criteria. It is important to verify your personal coverage with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for possible reimbursement options.

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 essential for reinforcing progress made during sessions, promoting recovery, and maintaining your functional gains. Consistently performing your home exercises as instructed will significantly enhance your recovery outcomes.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, enabling them to assess, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and focuses on implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, and applying modalities under supervision. Both roles are essential in delivering effective physiotherapy care.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Absolutely. Physiotherapy plays a key role in injury prevention by identifying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, or postural issues. Through targeted exercises, education, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce the risk of initial injury, re-injury, and manage chronic pain, supporting long-term health and activity levels.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CIUSSS de la MCQ - CHAUR treat?

They treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues such as back and neck pain, joint problems like arthritis, sports injuries, nerve pain, as well as vestibular disorders like dizziness and balance issues. Their treatments often involve postural correction, manual therapy, and patient education to help patients regain optimal function and mobility.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy details before your first appointment.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer coverage for registered physiotherapy services, either fully or partially. It is recommended to contact your insurance provider before your appointment to understand your plan's specifics, such as annual maximums, co-payments, and whether direct billing is available. If direct billing is supported and your plan permits, Julie’s clinic can bill your insurer directly, simplifying the payment process. Otherwise, you will need to submit receipts for reimbursement.

CIUSSS de la MCQ - CHAUR
1991, Boulevard du Carmel
Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 3R9

Phone: (819) 697-3333

Julie Vaillancourt 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.