Martine St-Amour – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Martine St-Amour is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Maison des Aînés de Sainte-Foy in Québec, 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). Martine approaches each individual with empathy and support, understanding that personalized attention is essential to effective rehabilitation and wellness. Her focus is on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation.

Martine's role extends beyond treatment; she actively assists individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing their overall quality of life. She specializes in supporting patients after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Her compassionate approach ensures that each patient feels heard, supported, and empowered throughout their healing journey, including many senior patients who benefit from her gentle and attentive care.

With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Martine has cultivated expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. She completed her degree in Physiotherapy and continually updates her skills to incorporate evidence-based practices into her work. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Martine is fluent in French, enabling her to communicate effectively and compassionately with her diverse patient community.

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

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.

Vestibular Balance

• 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.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo that is highly treatable with specific physiotherapy maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver, designed to reposition the displaced inner ear crystals.

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

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Comprehensive physiotherapy programs designed to maximize quality of life and functional abilities for individuals with conditions like stroke (CVA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, traumatic or acquired brain injury (TBI/ABI), or incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.

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 Maison des Aînés de Sainte-Foy, 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:

• Struggling with the frustration of trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip? Martine develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities. This is key to helping you get back to doing safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk and achieved feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises under the skilled care of Martine. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back with a new lease on life.
• It's truly rewarding for Martine to witness patients conquer my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night and experience improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work again.

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

Martine practices at Maison des Aînés de Sainte-Foy, situated in a modern clinic located in the heart of the Québec neighborhood of Sainte-Foy. This Centre d'hébergement et de soins de longue durée (CHSLD) facility is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care in one central location. The clinic is well-connected via public transit routes, ensuring that patients can reach their appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 Maison des Aînés de Sainte-Foy offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Maison des Aînés de Sainte-Foy offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. We recommend confirming your coverage and any specific requirements with your insurer prior to your visit, as plans can vary. If direct billing is not available for a particular plan, we will provide detailed receipts you can submit for reimbursement. Remember, you are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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. 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 first appointment to confirm any specific requirements.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a key role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiothérapeute can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modifications, physiotherapy can help reduce the risk of initial injury, re-injury, and chronic pain conditions.

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 mobilizations, joint manipulations, soft tissue mobilization techniques like massage or myofascial release, and neural mobilizations. The goal is to reduce pain, restore range of motion, improve joint mechanics, and promote tissue healing and function.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

The initial appointment, which involves a detailed assessment and treatment plan development, usually lasts about 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions are typically 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs and the treatment plan designed by Martine.

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

In Quebec, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Some limited coverage exists for specific cases, such as post-hospitalization or in certain programs for low-income seniors or individuals with specific conditions. Most outpatient physiotherapy in private clinics must be paid out-of-pocket or through private insurance. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

Maison des Aînés de Sainte-Foy
1576, Route de l'église
Québec, QC G1W 3P5

Phone: (418) 663-5363

Martine St-Amour 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.