Karine Maltais – Physiotherapist | Trois-Rivières, QC

Karine Maltais is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at MYO PHYSIO in Trois-Rivières, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Karine’s approach is focused on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including issues involving muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Whether managing acute injuries like sprains and strains or chronic conditions such as arthritis, Karine develops personalized treatment plans aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, and promoting overall wellness. Her care also extends to comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation, ensuring patients recover safely and effectively from surgical procedures.

In addition to her expertise in general musculoskeletal physiotherapy, Karine specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. She works with athletes of all levels, from recreational enthusiasts to elite competitors, helping them return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Her approach emphasizes education, active participation, and empowering patients to take an active role in their recovery and ongoing health. Karine serves individuals across all age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults, ensuring tailored care that meets their unique needs and goals.

Karine completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience over her career. She is dedicated to continuous professional development, staying current with the latest evidence-based practices in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Sports Physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy revolves around collaboration, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals while promoting preventative care and long-term wellness within the Trois-Rivières community. Karine is fluent in both English and French, facilitating effective communication and personalized care for her diverse patient population.

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

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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy management of acute and persistent symptoms of a concussion, including addressing associated neck pain/dysfunction (cervicogenic component), vestibular (balance/dizziness) issues, oculomotor (eye movement) problems, and exertional intolerance.

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.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.

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.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for concussion recovery, including initial assessment of symptoms (headache, dizziness, etc.), management of associated neck pain or dysfunction, vestibular and oculomotor (eye movement) rehabilitation, and guided, gradual return-to-learn, work, and sport protocols.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• 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: 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.

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 MYO PHYSIO, 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:

• Struggling with the frustration of feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move? Karine develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving improved performance in work-related physical demands. This is key to helping you get back to doing using garden tools effectively and without pain with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• It's truly rewarding for Karine to witness patients conquer wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night and experience feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event again.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Karine's clinic, common concerns like my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like playing your musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods.

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

Karine practices at MYO PHYSIO, located in the Cap-de-la-Madeleine Sector East neighborhood of Trois-Rivières. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Port of Trois-Rivières, making it easily accessible for local residents. Easily reachable via the Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR), the clinic is situated in a private facility equipped to serve the community's needs. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiothérapeute can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly through a process known as "direct access," without needing a physician's referral. However, while a referral is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It’s advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your appointment to ensure coverage.

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 patient assessments, establish diagnoses, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a broad range of interventions. They can also perform certain restricted activities if certified. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding patients through exercises but does not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

What are MYO PHYSIO's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary depending on the practitioner and day. Please call our office at (insert clinic phone number) or visit our website for the most current schedule and appointment availability.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used by a Physiothérapeute to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This includes joint mobilization, joint manipulation (where appropriate), soft tissue mobilization such as massage and myofascial release, and neural mobilization. The goal is to reduce pain, improve joint and tissue mobility, decrease muscle tension, and promote healing.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Public coverage may be available for certain services within hospitals or CLSCs depending on eligibility. It is recommended to verify your coverage directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many offer substantial physiotherapy benefits for services in private clinics.

MYO PHYSIO
260, Rue Dessureault
Trois-Rivières, QC G8T 9T9

Phone: (819) 840-0478 | Website: myophysio.com

Karine Maltais 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.