About
Karine Larouche is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.) practicing at CIUSSS SAGUENAY LAC ST-JEAN (CRDP) in Roberval, QC. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her approach emphasizes performance, functional improvement, and athletic rehabilitation, ensuring that patients regain strength, mobility, and confidence in their movements. Karine’s role involves assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various modalities to support recovery, whether for sports-related injuries or everyday functional challenges.With a solid educational foundation in physiotherapy and extensive clinical experience, Karine continuously updates her skills through ongoing professional development. She has cultivated expertise in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring, allowing her to tailor treatments to individual needs effectively. Her dedication to evidence-based practices ensures that her interventions are safe, effective, and aligned with current physiotherapy standards, especially in a performance and athletic context. Karine’s patient care philosophy revolves around empowering individuals to achieve their movement and wellness goals through collaborative, informed, and goal-oriented therapy.Karine is fluent in French and values clear communication, ensuring that her patients fully understand their condition and treatment options. Her collaborative approach emphasizes patient education and self-management strategies, fostering lasting results and optimal functional outcomes. Whether working with athletes, active individuals, or those recovering from injury, Karine’s commitment is to support her patients in reaching their peak performance and maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.
Karine Larouche provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Common Msk
- Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.
- 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.
- Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
- Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Karine can assess your needs.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
- Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 CIUSSS SAGUENAY LAC ST-JEAN (CRDP), 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:
- Tired of tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot interfering with working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness? Karine uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care and regain their freedom of movement.
- Don't let that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit dictate what you can and cannot do. Karine offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines, helping you reclaim keeping up with your team during our weekly soccer match and enjoy a more functional life.
- Many individuals seek help from Karine, their physiotherapist, when feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Karine, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Karine practices at CIUSSS SAGUENAY LAC ST-JEAN (CRDP), situated in a central Roberval neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive health support. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring ease of travel for those using public transportation. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- 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 typically pay out-of-pocket or utilize private insurance. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is advisable to verify individual eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private extended health insurance for coverage details.
- What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?
- Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapy Technologist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This includes joint mobilization, joint manipulation where appropriate, soft tissue mobilization techniques like massage and trigger point release, and neural mobilization. The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore joint mechanics, and promote tissue healing.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapy Technologist in QC?
- Patients in Quebec can typically access a Physiotherapy Technologist directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy before your first appointment.
- Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?
- The goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and improve function. Some treatments may cause mild discomfort or soreness temporarily, especially if tissues are inflamed or stiff. Your Physiotherapy Technologist will always work within your comfort level, communicate clearly about what to expect, and adjust treatments if needed. If you experience significant pain during therapy, inform your therapist immediately.
- What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?
- A Physiothérapeute has completed a master's level university education, allowing them to assess patients, diagnose, and develop treatment plans. A Physiotherapy Technologist holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments, assisting in implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, and applying modalities under supervision.
CIUSSS SAGUENAY LAC ST-JEAN (CRDP)
440, Rue Brassard
Roberval, QC G8H 2E1
Phone: (418) 618-4153
Karine Larouche 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.