Marc St-Jean – Physiotherapist | Alma, QC

Marc St-Jean is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CSSS de Lac St-Jean-Est, CLSC Secteur Centre in Alma, QC, Marc is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. With a compassionate approach, Marc focuses on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional conditions. His goal is to help each individual recover, improve mobility, reduce pain, and regain independence through personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs.

Marc's expertise encompasses managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, chronic pain conditions like arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. He also specializes in assisting individuals after neurological events or conditions, including stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's Disease. Serving older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, Marc is dedicated to supporting all stages of life with empathetic and evidence-based physiotherapy care.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Marc has developed a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. His practice philosophy emphasizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Marc believes in empowering his patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Marc is fluent in French.

Marc St-Jean provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Peripheral Nerve

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Physiotherapy focuses on improving balance, strength, sensation (where possible), reducing fall risk, managing pain, and providing education on foot care (especially for diabetic neuropathy) and adaptive strategies.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• 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: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.

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

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• 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: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Marc. 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 CSSS de Lac St-Jean-Est, CLSC Secteur Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marc frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Marc can help you move beyond that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees. The focus is on improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks.
• When facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing participating fully in your martial arts practice, including sparring, physiotherapy with Marc can help you work towards increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Many find that recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches significantly impacts their ability to working on detailed woodworking projects in your shop without hand pain. Marc helps patients target a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Marc's practice is situated within the CSSS de Lac St-Jean-Est, CLSC Secteur Centre, located in the central Alma neighborhood of Alma, QC. This public healthcare facility provides accessible and comprehensive services to the community, ensuring patients can receive quality physiotherapy close to home. The clinic's convenient location is near various local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to incorporate their appointments into their daily routines. Accessible via local public transit routes, the clinic is also wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer flexible options for visitors seeking to drive to their appointments.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiothérapeute to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ, meaning patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some physiotherapy services provided directly within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if specific criteria are met. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private health insurance plans for coverage options.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute 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’s recommended to check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What are CSSS de Lac St-Jean-Est, CLSC Secteur Centre's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with some practitioners offering Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary depending on the practitioner and day. Please contact the clinic at (418) XXXX-XXXX or visit our website for current hours and specific practitioner availability.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to assess, diagnose, and create treatment plans, including certain restricted activities. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a Physiothérapeute, applying treatment modalities and assisting in patient care without diagnosing or independently planning treatments. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

CSSS de Lac St-Jean-Est, CLSC Secteur Centre
100, Rue Saint-Joseph
Alma, QC G8B 7A6

Phone: (418) 669-2000

Marc St-Jean 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.