Julie Viel – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Julie Viel is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Pediatric Physiotherapy 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 role involves providing specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents to address developmental delays, congenital conditions such as torticollis, orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and to promote optimal motor function and participation. Julie’s approach encompasses a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including acute injuries like sprains and strains, chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She strives to support her patients—children, adolescents, and adults—in achieving their mobility and functional goals through evidence-based interventions tailored to each individual’s needs.

With a solid educational background, Julie Viel completed her degree in Physiotherapy. Her clinical experience has fostered a strong commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to evidence-based practices. She has developed particular expertise and interest in Pediatric Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, allowing her to deliver comprehensive care that is both effective and empathetic. Her continuous pursuit of knowledge ensures that her patients receive the latest and most effective treatment modalities, fostering better health outcomes.

Julie’s practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Québec community through proactive physiotherapy. She adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Her emphasis on clear education about conditions and practical self-management strategies empowers her patients to maintain improvements beyond their sessions. Julie is fluent in both English and French, ensuring accessible communication and personalized care for a diverse patient population.

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

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Arthritis

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.

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

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• 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.

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:

• Rediscover your ability to dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks without the constant burden of my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly). Julie focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Don't let working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery dictate what you can and cannot do. Julie offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function, helping you reclaim standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event and enjoy a more functional life.
• Tired of breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity interfering with working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness? Julie uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance and regain your freedom of movement.

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 easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare resources in one place. Easily reachable by public transit routes, the clinic ensures accessibility for individuals relying on transit options. Our facility is wheelchair accessible, and street parking along with nearby paid lots provides convenient options for visitors seeking flexible parking solutions.

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

In Québec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to begin physiotherapy treatment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's note for reimbursement. It is advisable for patients to check their individual insurance policies to confirm any specific requirements before their first appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The initial session primarily involves a detailed assessment. Expect to discuss your specific issue, medical history, and overall health background with your Physiothérapeute. Following this, Julie will perform various physical tests to evaluate movement, strength, and areas of concern. The goal is to understand your condition comprehensively to develop a tailored treatment plan. You may also receive initial hands-on care or home exercises to commence the healing process.

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

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ in Québec. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Publicly funded physiotherapy may be available in hospitals or CLSCs for certain eligible populations, but private outpatient services typically require private payment or insurance coverage. It is recommended to verify coverage specifics with RAMQ and consult your private insurer for details.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Physiotherapy Technologist in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec holds a master's degree in physiotherapy and has the autonomy to assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. Conversely, a Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) focused on technical application, assisting physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, aiding exercises, and reporting progress.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Absolutely. Physiotherapy not only treats existing issues but also emphasizes injury prevention. A Physiothérapeute can evaluate movement patterns, identify weaknesses or imbalances, and design personalized exercise programs and strategies to maintain musculoskeletal health and prevent future problems, benefiting athletes, workers with physical jobs, and anyone seeking long-term wellness.

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

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

Julie Viel 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.