Marie-Michèle Couturier – Physiotherapist | Alma, QC

Marie-Michèle Couturier is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at CIUSSS du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital d'Alma in Alma, QC, Marie-Michèle 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 understanding each patient's unique health needs, especially among older adults, with the goal of improving mobility, strength, and balance while managing age-related conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Marie-Michèle's focus is on reducing fall risk and enhancing overall quality of life and independence for her senior patients.

Specializing in assessments and treatments for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues, Marie-Michèle aims to help her patients regain stability and confidence in their daily movements. Her gentle, evidence-based techniques are tailored to promote recovery and long-term wellness, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to participate actively in their health journey.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Marie-Michèle has developed a particular interest in Geriatric Physiotherapy and Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation. She has built her expertise through clinical experience and remains committed to evidence-based practices, ensuring her patients receive the most current and effective care. Fluent in both English and French, Marie-Michèle values clear communication and a collaborative approach with her community in Alma, Quebec.

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

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.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: A movement-based therapy approach, often guided by principles of motor learning and de-emphasis on presumed damage, to help individuals with FND regain voluntary control over their physical symptoms and improve confidence in their movements.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.

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

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Tailored physiotherapy including gentle exercise prescription (e.g., aquatic therapy, graded aerobic exercise), pain management education, activity pacing strategies, stress reduction techniques, and gentle manual therapies for individuals living with fibromyalgia or other widespread pain conditions.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: A holistic and active approach to managing long-standing pain, empowering you with tools and knowledge for better daily living, increased activity tolerance, and improved mood.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Baseline concussion testing (if offered by the clinic/practitioner) and evidence-based post-injury management to ensure a safe and effective recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Marie-Michèle. 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 CIUSSS du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital d'Alma, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marie-Michèle frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many find that an awkward gait or limping when I walk significantly impacts their ability to standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event. Marie-Michèle helps patients target returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Marie-Michèle frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of persistent dizziness that isn’t a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a feeling of being ‘unstuck’ and more supple and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like getting back to your regular, consistent gym workouts.
• At Marie-Michèle's physiotherapy practice, individuals with facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) are guided towards developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work.

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

Marie-Michèle practices at the CIUSSS du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital d'Alma, situated in a central clinic within the Alma neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring ease of travel for those using public transportation. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What is CIUSSS du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital d'Alma's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost or a set amount like $50 may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to access physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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

RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria, but physiotherapy in private clinics is typically not included in public coverage. It is recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and review your private insurance plan for coverage details.

Does CIUSSS du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital d'Alma offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CIUSSS du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital d'Alma 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 at your appointment. If direct billing is not available for your plan, we provide detailed receipts that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. Always confirm your coverage specifics with your insurance provider, including any deductibles or limits, as plans vary.

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 and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, create treatment plans, and perform certain restricted activities. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress but does not diagnose or independently establish 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 soreness or mild symptoms after physiotherapy are normal, especially when starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant increase in pain, new neurological symptoms, or soreness that persists longer than expected, it is important to contact your physiotherapist or the clinic directly. They can advise you, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if reassessment is needed.

CIUSSS du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital d'Alma
300, Boulevard Champlain S
Alma, QC G8B 5W3

Phone: (418) 669-2000

Marie-Michèle Couturier 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.