Laurence Bédard – Physiotherapist | Châteauguay, QC

Laurence Bédard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest in Châteauguay, QC, Laurence is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs, promoting optimal recovery and functional improvement.

Laurence's physiotherapy focus encompasses a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-surgical conditions. She specializes in managing issues such as acute injuries like sprains and strains, chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, Laurence assists individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life following neurological events such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Her comprehensive care is tailored to adults and seniors, ensuring age-appropriate and effective interventions.

Laurence completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained extensive clinical experience, fostering a commitment to ongoing professional development. She has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Laurence emphasizes empowering her patients through clear education and practical self-management strategies, working collaboratively to achieve their movement and functional goals. Laurence is fluent in French.

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

Common Msk

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.

Back Neck Pain

• 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: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• 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.

Neurological

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with MS stay active, manage symptoms effectively, maintain independence for as long as possible, and adapt to changes in their condition.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Utilizing evidence-based neuroplasticity principles, motor relearning techniques, and task-specific training to help stroke survivors improve movement and achieve their functional goals.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Gentle exercises, stretching programs, and strategies to preserve strength and function, and to manage secondary complications associated with muscular dystrophies.

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

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Effective therapy for various inner ear and balance disorders, including BPPV, vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis, unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction, Meniere's disease (symptom management), and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD).
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Laurence. 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 de la Montérégie-Ouest, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Laurence frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Laurence feeling defeated by an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity and resuming participating fully in your martial arts practice, including sparring becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Laurence frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of my child walking on their toes most of the time. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity? Laurence works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely.

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

Laurence practices at CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest, situated in a modern clinic in the central Châteauguay neighborhood of Châteauguay. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it accessible for residents in the area. The clinic is easily reachable via local public transit routes, ensuring convenient access for patients from various parts of the community. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a referral, known as direct access. However, while a referral is not always legally required to begin physiotherapy, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a physician's prescription for reimbursement. Patients are advised to verify their insurance policy details before their appointment.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest treat?

Laurence's physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, nerve pain, and neurological conditions like stroke or Multiple Sclerosis. Treatments often involve patient education, manual therapy, postural correction, and exercise prescription tailored to individual needs.

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 through private insurance. Care received within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered under specific circumstances, but private outpatient physiotherapy often is not. It is recommended to verify eligibility with RAMQ and consult private insurance plans for coverage details.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your initial visit, Laurence will conduct a comprehensive assessment that includes discussing your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. A physical examination will follow to identify movement dysfunctions or sources of pain. Laurence will then explain her findings, collaborate with you to establish treatment goals, and outline a tailored plan of care. You may receive initial exercises, manual therapy, or advice to start your recovery.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

The first appointment generally lasts about 60 minutes, including assessment and planning. Follow-up sessions usually range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your treatment plan and needs.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, and joint manipulations. These interventions aim to reduce pain, improve joint and muscle mobility, and facilitate more comfortable movement, supporting your body's recovery process.

CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest
101, Rue Lauzon
Châteauguay, QC J6K 1C7

Phone: (450) 676-7447

Laurence Bédard 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.