Marie-France Boisjoli – Physiotherapist | Saint-Jérôme, QC

Marie-France Boisjoli is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CISSS des Laurentides - Le Bouclier in Saint-Jérôme, 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). Her approach focuses on understanding each individual's unique needs, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to participate actively in their recovery journey. Marie-France takes the time to listen carefully to her patients, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to achieve optimal outcomes.

Specializing in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, Marie-France assists individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing their quality of life. Her expertise includes treating acute injuries such as sprains and strains, chronic pain conditions, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. She also works extensively with patients who have experienced neurological events like stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease, aiming to restore independence and participation in daily activities. Her compassionate approach ensures that every patient receives personalized care that respects their goals and circumstances.

Marie-France completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has developed a strong foundation in evidence-based practices through clinical experience and ongoing professional development. She has cultivated particular interests in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy, allowing her to offer comprehensive support for her patients. Fluent in French, Marie-France emphasizes empowering her patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies, fostering lasting improvements and confidence in their physical health.

Marie-France Boisjoli provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• 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.

Neurological

• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises and techniques provided by a Physiotherapist to manage symptoms of facial palsy and support optimal recovery of facial muscle control.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Supporting individuals with FND to improve their physical function, reduce symptom burden, and enhance participation in daily life activities through specialized physiotherapy.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Management of symptoms such as pain (neuropathic pain), numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness, typically in the hands or feet, resulting from damage to peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Alleviating symptoms and improving function for individuals with entrapped nerves through conservative physiotherapy management, helping to avoid more invasive interventions.

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

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Comprehensive assessment of your fall risk factors with individualized interventions, including balance exercises, strength training, gait re-training, and home safety advice to help you prevent falls.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Tailored exercises, hands-on techniques, and functional strategies to manage symptoms (e.g., spasticity, weakness, ataxia) and optimize function in various neurological conditions, promoting participation in daily life.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Marie-France. 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 des Laurentides - Le Bouclier, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marie-France frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity? Marie-France works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions.
• Are you finding that pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard stops you from enjoying playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain? Marie-France is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• When feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches, physiotherapy with Marie-France can help you work towards improved performance in work-related physical demands. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Marie-France practices at the CISSS des Laurentides - Le Bouclier, located in the Bellefeuille Sector neighborhood of Saint-Jérôme. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near Carrefour du Nord (Mall), making it easily accessible for patients. The clinic is well-connected via exo (Secteur Laurentides - Bus), allowing for convenient public transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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, while a doctor's referral is not legally required to *see* a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. In contrast, a Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They assist in delivering care by implementing treatment plans, helping patients with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress to the supervising professional.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy helps you move better and stay active comfortably. Whether dealing with an injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, a Physiothérapeute collaborates with you to develop a personalized plan involving exercises, manual techniques, and practical advice. This approach aims to help you achieve your goals and enjoy a more active, fulfilling life.

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

It is common to experience mild soreness or a temporary increase in symptoms after treatment, especially initially. Usually, this subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant increase in pain, new neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness, or if soreness persists longer than expected, contact your clinic or healthcare provider promptly. They can assess your condition and adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, home exercises are an essential part of your recovery. Your Physiothérapeute will teach you specific exercises tailored to your needs, helping reinforce the treatment and promote ongoing progress even outside of sessions.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used by Physiothérapeutes to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, relax muscles, and enhance nerve mobility. Techniques include joint glides, soft tissue massage, and joint manipulations, all aimed at helping your body move better.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Coverage may be available if care is received within a public hospital or CLSC under specific conditions. It's important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services outside the public system.

CISSS des Laurentides - Le Bouclier
531, Rue Laviolette
Saint-Jérôme, QC J7Y 2T8

Phone: (450) 560-9898

Marie-France Boisjoli 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.