Karen Toussaint – Physiotherapy Technologist | Saint-Laurent, QC

Karen Toussaint is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at Groupe Santé Universelle (bureau administratif) in Saint-Laurent, QC, Karen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by a physiotherapist or physician, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. Karen primarily serves adult patients, focusing on helping them regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall well-being through evidence-based physiotherapy practices.

Karen Toussaint completed her degree in Physiotherapy. With extensive clinical experience, she is dedicated to ongoing professional development and adheres to the latest evidence-based physiotherapy techniques. Karen has developed particular expertise in areas such as therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring. Her approach emphasizes personalized care tailored to each individual’s specific needs, ensuring optimal recovery outcomes and promoting long-term health and wellness.

Her practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Saint-Laurent community through proactive physiotherapy. Karen adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting to empower them in their health journey. She is fluent in French and English, facilitating effective communication with diverse patient populations and ensuring comprehensive understanding and engagement in their care plans.

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

Common Msk

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.

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

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.

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 Groupe Santé Universelle (bureau administratif), 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:

• Are you finding that trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain stops you from enjoying attending and enjoying your children's or grandchildren's sporting events? Karen is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Many find that numbness, tingling, or weakness in their hands, arms, feet, or legs significantly impacts their ability to walk up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness. Karen helps patients target feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Struggling with the frustration of recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement? Karen develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints. This is key to helping you get back to attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Karen practices at 'Groupe Santé Universelle' (bureau administratif), situated within a modern clinic in the central Saint-Laurent neighborhood of Saint-Laurent, QC. The location is conveniently accessible, being close to various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to combine their physiotherapy appointments with other errands or healthcare needs. The clinic is well-connected by local public transit routes, offering multiple options for convenient travel. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapy Technologist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

What is Groupe Santé Universelle (bureau administratif)'s appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost or a set amount like $50 may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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, a process known as direct access. However, while a doctor's referral is not legally required to start physiotherapy, some private and extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy details before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

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 usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy is generally not reimbursed by RAMQ. Always verify your eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage options.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is ideal—think athletic wear suitable for light exercise. If you are being treated for a lower-body issue like hip or knee pain, shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues such as shoulder or neck pain, a tank top or loose t-shirt allows the Physiotherapy Technologist to properly examine and treat the area.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapy Technologists at Groupe Santé Universelle (bureau administratif) 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, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries like whiplash-associated disorders, and nerve pain. They also have specialized skills in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient education, often involving General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs, Therapeutic Ultrasound Application, and other modalities to help you achieve your functional goals.

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, granting them autonomy to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a vital role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising physiotherapist or physician.

Groupe Santé Universelle (bureau administratif)
5255, Boulevard Henri-Bourassa Ouest, # 130
Saint-Laurent, QC H4R 2M6

Phone: (819) 880-1341

Karen Toussaint 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.