Karine Fugere – Physiotherapy Technologist | Saint-Hyacinthe, QC

Karine Fugere is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at Physiothérapie Universelle (St-Hyacinthe) in Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Karine 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. She primarily serves adult patients, focusing on restoring mobility, reducing pain, and promoting optimal physical health.

Karine completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that underscores her commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. She has developed skills and a particular interest in areas such as therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring. Her expertise allows her to deliver comprehensive care tailored to each individual's needs, ensuring effective and safe treatment outcomes.

Her practice philosophy emphasizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. She promotes preventative care and long-term wellness within the Saint-Hyacinthe community through proactive physiotherapy strategies. Karine is fluent in English and French, facilitating clear communication and personalized care for a diverse patient population.

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

Common Msk

• 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.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.

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

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• 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.
• 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Karine. 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 Physiothérapie Universelle (St-Hyacinthe), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Karine frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• It's truly rewarding for Karine to witness patients conquer feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move and experience successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort again.
• Rediscover your ability to enduring your daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness without the constant burden of that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder. Karine focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Karine frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.

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

Karine practices at Physiothérapie Universelle (St-Hyacinthe), situated in a modern clinic in the heart of the Saint-Hyacinthe neighborhood. The facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care in a central, accessible location. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring ease of travel for those using public transportation. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiotherapy Technologist directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to receive physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

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, allowing them to assess patients, establish diagnoses, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Physiotherapy Technologist, on the other hand, holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They assist in delivering care by implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress to the supervising professional.

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

Generally, physiotherapy in private clinics is not covered by RAMQ in Quebec. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Certain services received directly within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area and permits movement for exercises. Shorts are recommended for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally appropriate. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial appointment includes a comprehensive assessment. Karine will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, concerns, and your goals. A thorough physical examination will follow, assessing range of motion, strength, posture, and movement patterns. Based on these findings, she will provide a diagnosis or clinical impression, discuss a personalized treatment plan, and often initiate some initial treatment or education, including a home exercise program.

Physiothérapie Universelle (St-Hyacinthe)
2035, Avenue Sainte-Anne, bureau 202
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 5H3

Phone: (450) 778-2218 | Website: https://physiotherapieuniverselle.com

Karine Fugere 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.