Martine Sanfacon – Physiotherapist | Lévis, QC

Martine Sanfacon is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CISSS de Chaudière-Appalaches (Centre de réadaptation - Charny) in Lévis, QC, Martine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and balance-related conditions, utilizing a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to rehabilitation. Martine's goal is to help her patients recover function, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life through personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's needs.

Martine's role encompasses assessing, diagnosing, and implementing effective physiotherapy interventions for patients of all ages, including older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors. Her expertise includes managing acute injuries like sprains and strains, chronic conditions such as arthritis, and supporting post-operative recovery. She also assists individuals recovering from neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease, helping them regain mobility and independence.

With a strong foundation in clinical practice and continuous professional development, Martine emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. She is fluent in English and French, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout the treatment process, fostering a supportive environment for healing and wellness.

Martine Sanfacon provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Peripheral Nerve

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Symptoms such as localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by mechanical compression or irritation of peripheral nerves at specific anatomical sites (entrapment points).
• 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).

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• 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.

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

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Martine. 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 Chaudière-Appalaches (Centre de réadaptation - Charny), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Martine frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Don't let an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak dictate what you can and cannot do. Martine offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls, helping you reclaim participating fully in your martial arts practice, including sparring and enjoy a more functional life.
• It's truly rewarding for Martine to witness patients conquer trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury and experience moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout again.
• Patients often come to Martine feeling defeated by that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey and resuming dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Martine practices at the CISSS de Chaudière-Appalaches (Centre de réadaptation - Charny), situated in the Saint-Nicolas neighborhood of Lévis, QC. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near access to Autoroute 20 and is accessible via the Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis). The location offers easy access for patients traveling from various parts of Lévis and surrounding areas. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 practice known as direct access. While a referral is not legally required to initiate physiotherapy treatment, 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.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial appointment is a comprehensive assessment where Martine will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, concerns, and your goals for physiotherapy. This is followed by a physical examination assessing range of motion, strength, posture, and movement patterns. Based on these findings, she will provide a diagnosis or clinical impression, discuss a tailored treatment plan, and often initiate some initial treatment or provide education and exercises for home.

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. Coverage may be available through public health services in specific cases, such as post-hospitalization or for certain vulnerable populations. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage details.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Technologue en physiothérapie in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, and create treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises without diagnosing or creating plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

It is helpful to bring your health card, any relevant referral or medical reports, imaging results, a list of medications, and your private insurance information for direct billing. Wearing comfortable clothing will facilitate assessment and treatment.

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

Some soreness or discomfort after treatment can be normal. However, if your pain worsens significantly, if you develop new symptoms, or if discomfort persists beyond a couple of days, contact Martine. She can advise on appropriate steps and adjust your treatment plan if necessary to ensure your safe recovery.

CISSS de Chaudière-Appalaches (Centre de réadaptation - Charny)
9500, Boulevard du Centre-Hospitalier
Lévis, QC G6X 0A1

Phone: (418) 380-2064

Martine Sanfacon 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.