Katie Provencher

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

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• 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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Addressing the physical consequences of nerve damage in the limbs through targeted exercises (e.g., for balance, strength, desensitization), sensory re-education, and advice on appropriate footwear or assistive devices.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Addressing conditions affecting nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, aiming to relieve pressure on the nerve, reduce inflammation, restore normal nerve function, and alleviate symptoms.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, cognitive difficulties ('brain fog', memory issues), fatigue, and emotional changes. Post-Concussion Syndrome refers to symptoms persisting beyond the typical recovery window.

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

• 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.
• 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): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• 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.
• 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: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Katie. 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-AT (VAL D'OR), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Katie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain has made attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation seem like a distant memory, Katie's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Katie believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise is hindering your ability to cycling longer distances with your cycling club, a personalized plan focusing on greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities can make all the difference.
• Patients often come to Katie feeling defeated by recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities and resuming resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Katie's practice is situated at CISSS-AT (VAL D'OR), within a centrally located clinic in the Val-d'Or neighborhood of Val-d'Or, QC. This public healthcare facility is conveniently positioned near community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is well-connected by local public transit routes, ensuring that patients can reach their appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiothérapeute will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process 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. Patients are advised to check the requirements of their individual insurance policies before their first appointment.

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, develop treatment plans, and carry out a wide range of therapeutic interventions. Conversely, a Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) possesses a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress without diagnosing or creating independent treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

Generally, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. However, care received in public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It's important to verify eligibility directly with RAMQ and check private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your initial visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., RAMQ card), any relevant medical records or referral notes, recent imaging reports (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound), and a list of current medications. If you plan to use private insurance, also bring your insurance card or policy details. Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for movement and assessment is recommended.

CISSS-AT (VAL D'OR)
975, Rue Germain
Val-d'Or, QC J9P 7H7

Phone: (819) 825-3337

Katie Provencher 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.