Marie-Sarah Roberge

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

Common Msk

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.

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

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Marie-Sarah. 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 de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marie-Sarah frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The path to recovery from working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery and achieving feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began for being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children often starts with expert guidance. Marie-Sarah, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• When shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around your neighborhood for fresh air, physiotherapy with Marie-Sarah can help you work towards improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Rediscover your ability to getting back to your regular, consistent gym workouts without the constant burden of that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit. Marie-Sarah focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Marie-Sarah practices at the CISSS de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue, situated in a clinic in the central Macamic neighborhood of Macamic. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies and is accessible via local public transit routes. 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 Physiotherapy Technologist in QC?

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiotherapy Technologist directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to *see* a Physiotherapy Technologist, some private and extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

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

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

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed varies based on individual conditions, severity, and goals. Some acute issues resolve quickly in a few sessions, while chronic or complex conditions may require longer treatment. Your Physiotherapy Technologist will provide an estimated plan after your initial assessment and adjust it as your recovery progresses.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, most patients receive a personalized home exercise program tailored to their condition. These exercises are designed to complement in-clinic treatments and help you achieve your goals more efficiently. Performing these exercises regularly is important for maintaining progress and preventing re-injury.

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

A Physiothérapeute has completed a master's level university education, enabling them to assess, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans, including advanced procedures. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) and focuses on the technical implementation of physiotherapy treatments under supervision. They assist in delivering care, guiding exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress to the supervising physiotherapist or physician.

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

Many private insurance plans offer coverage for physiotherapy services. It is recommended to contact your insurer before your first appointment to understand your plan’s specifics, such as annual maximums, per-visit limits, co-payments, and whether a doctor’s referral is required for reimbursement. Our clinic can often bill your insurer directly if your plan allows, otherwise, you will pay at the time of service and submit receipts for reimbursement.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first appointment involves a thorough assessment, including a discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, and goals. This is followed by a physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, and specific movement patterns. Based on these findings, your Physiotherapy Technologist will discuss a personalized treatment plan, start initial treatment if appropriate, and provide education and home exercises to support your recovery.

CISSS de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue
169, Avenue 7e E
Macamic, QC J0Z 2S0

Phone: (819) 782-4661

Marie-Sarah Roberge 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.