Lucie Blais – Physiotherapist | Laval, QC

Lucie Blais is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Lucie Blais physiothérapeute in Laval, 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). Lucie’s approach focuses on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including issues affecting muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Her expertise encompasses everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to managing chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, Lucie offers specialized assessment and treatment for jaw pain (TMJ/TMD), orofacial pain, and various types of headaches with a musculoskeletal component, ensuring a holistic approach to her patients’ well-being.

Throughout her career, Lucie has served a diverse patient population, including older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors. Her clinical experience is complemented by a strong commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. Lucie has cultivated skills and a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as TMJ, headache, and orofacial pain physiotherapy, allowing her to tailor treatments to each individual’s unique needs. Her compassionate and collaborative approach aims to empower patients through education and active participation in their recovery journey.

Lucie believes in fostering a supportive environment that promotes long-term wellness and preventative care. She emphasizes the importance of educating her patients about their conditions and self-management strategies for lasting results. Her practice philosophy revolves around working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Fluent in both French and English, Lucie is dedicated to serving her community with warmth, professionalism, and a genuine desire to improve her patients’ quality of life.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• 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.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

Common Msk

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.

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

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Dry Needling / Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS): A skilled intervention where a Physiotherapist inserts fine, sterile needles (without medication) into myofascial trigger points, tight muscle bands, or near nerves to reduce pain, decrease muscle tension, improve blood flow, and restore normal muscle function and movement. (Requires specific post-graduate certification).
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Acupuncture (Medical or Traditional): Acupuncture as a complementary therapy used by trained physiotherapists to address a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, stimulating the body's natural pain-relieving and healing mechanisms.

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

• If recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist is preventing you from fully enjoying actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back, Lucie offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• It's truly rewarding for Lucie to witness patients conquer facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) and experience increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf again.
• Struggling with the frustration of feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older? Lucie develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort. This is key to helping you get back to doing easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Lucie Blais physiothérapeute is situated in Laval-sur-le-Lac, in the Laval West neighborhood of Laval. The clinic is conveniently located near Gare Sainte-Rose, making it easily accessible via the Société de transport de Laval (STL). Whether you're coming from nearby communities or the broader Laval area, the clinic's central location ensures a smooth and accessible experience. 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).

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiothérapeute would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan permits, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiothérapeute will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally provides limited coverage for physiotherapy services, typically after hospital discharge or for certain low-income individuals and seniors through specific programs. Most outpatient private clinic physiotherapy is not directly covered by RAMQ for the general population. Patients are often responsible for payment or may use private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is advisable to verify eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally access physiotherapy services directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. 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 is recommended to check the specific requirements of your insurance plan before your appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy helps you move better and manage pain effectively. Whether recovering from an injury, managing chronic conditions, or post-surgical rehabilitation, Lucie works with you to develop personalized treatment plans. Her approach includes exercises, hands-on techniques, and education to help you reach your movement and functional goals and live a more active, comfortable life.

Lucie Blais physiothérapeute
270, Boulevard Samson, # 307
Laval, QC H7X 2Y9

Phone: (514) 447-2324 | Website: www.lucieblais.ca

Lucie Blais 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.