Marie-Josee Fluet – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Marie-Josee Fluet is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ in Québec, QC. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). With a focus on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional conditions, Marie-Josee provides comprehensive assessments and tailored treatment plans to support her patients’ recovery and well-being.

Marie-Josee specializes in managing conditions affecting muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments, including acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain, arthritis, and post-surgical rehabilitation. She also assists individuals recovering from neurological events like stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's Disease, helping them regain mobility, reduce symptoms, and improve their quality of life. Her approach emphasizes evidence-based practices, patient education, and empowering individuals to take an active role in their rehabilitation process.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Marie-Josee has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy. She serves adults and seniors, ensuring her interventions are appropriate for each stage of life and tailored to her patients’ unique needs. Her philosophy centers on fostering long-term health and wellness through preventative care, functional improvements, and a compassionate, respectful approach.

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

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

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

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiothérapeute, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• 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).
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Receiving personalized physiotherapy care online through secure and interactive video sessions with your Physiothérapeute, including real-time exercise correction and tailored advice.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Marie-Josee. 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 Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marie-Josee frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Struggling with the frustration of an awkward gait or limping when I walk? Marie-Josee develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury. This is key to helping you get back to doing cycling longer distances with your cycling club with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Patients struggling with my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night can find dedicated and compassionate support from Marie-Josee. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun.
• Rediscover your ability to enjoy long, challenging hikes on weekends again without the constant burden of one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain. Marie-Josee focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Marie-Josee practices at the Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ, situated in a central Québec neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it accessible for patients from across the region. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring easy access for individuals with varying mobility needs. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 allows it, 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.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiothérapeute to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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).

Does Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, our clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Please bring your insurance card and policy details. We will handle the billing process directly with your insurer for the covered portion, subject to your policy's limits and restrictions. If direct billing is not available for your plan, we will provide detailed receipts you can submit for reimbursement.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to hands-on techniques used by a Physiothérapeute to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This includes joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts where appropriate), soft tissue techniques such as massage and myofascial release, and neural mobilization. The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore joint mechanics, decrease muscle tension, and promote tissue healing.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services through direct access without a physician's referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm their requirements.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance for outpatient physiotherapy. Coverage may be available in certain cases within public hospitals or CLSC clinics if specific criteria are met, but private outpatient physiotherapy is typically not covered. It is recommended to verify your eligibility and coverage details directly with RAMQ and your insurance provider.

Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ
525, Boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel
Québec, QC G1M 2S8

Phone: (418) 529-9141

Marie-Josee Fluet 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.