Karen Auger – Physiotherapy Technologist | Amos, QC

Karen Auger is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CISSS de L'Abitibi Témiscamingue - Pav. Hôtel-Dieu in Amos, QC, Karen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes compassionate support and tailored interventions to help individuals regain their functional independence and improve their overall well-being. Karen’s role involves assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. She serves adults and seniors, ensuring that each patient receives personalized attention suited to their unique needs.

With her strong foundation in physiotherapy technology, Karen has developed valuable skills in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring. Her clinical experience demonstrates her ongoing commitment to professional development and evidence-based practices, ensuring that her patients benefit from the latest advancements in physiotherapy care. Karen’s dedication to her profession and her patients’ health underscores her reputation as a caring and competent healthcare provider.

Karen believes in a patient-centered philosophy, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. She adopts a holistic approach, emphasizing the importance of education, motivation, and support throughout the recovery process. Fluent in French, Karen communicates effectively with her diverse patient population, providing clear explanations and empathetic guidance to foster a trusting and comfortable environment.

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

Common Msk

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

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

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• 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.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Karen. 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 de L'Abitibi Témiscamingue - Pav. Hôtel-Dieu, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Karen frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose post-operative stiffness and weakness that’s slowing down my recovery has made maintaining an upright posture while working on your computer for hours seem like a distant memory, Karen's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to maintaining an upright posture while working on your computer for hours with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• It's truly rewarding for Karen to witness patients conquer frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders and experience enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in comfortably cooking and meal prepping for your family again.
• If difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy is preventing you from fully enjoying dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations, Karen offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Karen practices at the CISSS de L'Abitibi Témiscamingue - Pav. Hôtel-Dieu, situated in a central location within the Amos neighborhood of Amos. The clinic is conveniently positioned near various community services and pharmacies, making it easily accessible for patients. The facility is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring easy travel for those using public transportation. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapy Technologist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if specific criteria are met. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage details.

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 and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, and develop treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress but cannot 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 Physiotherapy Technologist in QC?

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiotherapy Technologist 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 recommended to check with your insurance provider prior to your first appointment.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If {clinic_name_if_available_else_our_clinic} offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapy Technologists at CISSS de L'Abitibi Témiscamingue - Pav. Hôtel-Dieu treat?

Our Physiotherapy Technologists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (including Parkinson's Disease Management), joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries like peripheral neuropathy (e.g., diabetic or chemotherapy-induced), and nerve pain. They also have expertise in therapeutic exercise instruction and modality application, including treatments for pelvic health. Their treatments often involve personalized therapeutic exercise programs, stretching and flexibility routines, manual therapy, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

CISSS de L'Abitibi Témiscamingue - Pav. Hôtel-Dieu
622, Rue 4e O
Amos, QC J9T 2S2

Phone: (819) 732-3341

Karen Auger 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.