Mireille Bouchard – Physiotherapist | Roberval, QC

Mireille Bouchard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS SAGUENAY LAC-ST-JEAN (HÔPITAL DE ROBERVAL) in Roberval, QC, Mireille is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes performance and athletic recovery, focusing on optimizing function, reducing pain, and enhancing movement efficiency for active individuals. Mireille’s expertise includes tailored assessments and treatments designed to help athletes and active adults return to and excel in their sports and daily pursuits.
Mireille's role extends beyond general musculoskeletal care. She specializes in addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic conditions like arthritis. She also offers advanced vestibular and balance rehabilitation services to manage dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. Her goal is to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and minimize fall risk, enabling her patients to regain confidence and perform at their best.
With a strong educational background and clinical experience, Mireille holds a degree in Physiotherapy and has developed a particular interest in orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and vestibular rehabilitation. She is committed to evidence-based practices and ongoing professional development, ensuring her patients benefit from the latest advances in physiotherapy. Mireille’s patient-centered philosophy involves actively engaging individuals in their treatment planning, providing clear education, and empowering patients with practical self-management strategies. She is fluent in French, facilitating seamless communication with her diverse clientele.

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

Common Msk

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.

Neurological

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Helping individuals with spinal cord injuries achieve their highest level of physical potential through targeted exercises, functional training, equipment prescription, and compensatory strategies.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Focusing on restoring movement, balance, and independence after a traumatic or acquired brain injury through evidence-based physiotherapy approaches.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• 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.

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

• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Mireille. 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 SAGUENAY LAC-ST-JEAN (HÔPITAL DE ROBERVAL), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Mireille frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Living with feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older doesn't have to be your norm. Mireille applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes.
• For those whose facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) has made working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness seem like a distant memory, Mireille's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Mireille can help you move beyond recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID). The focus is on a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as participating fully in your martial arts practice, including sparring.

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

Mireille's practice is located at CIUSSS SAGUENAY LAC-ST-JEAN (HÔPITAL DE ROBERVAL), situated in a central clinic within the Roberval neighborhood of Roberval, QC. This public healthcare facility is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is accessible via multiple local public transit routes, ensuring ease of reach for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiothérapeute to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered under specific circumstances. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private extended health plan for coverage options.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiothérapeute will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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, which is known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider beforehand to confirm their specific requirements.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments usually last between 45 to 60 minutes, allowing for a thorough evaluation. Follow-up sessions are generally shorter, around 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration depends on your condition and treatment plan.

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

Some temporary soreness after treatment can be normal. However, if your pain worsens significantly, if you develop new symptoms, or if discomfort persists beyond a few days, contact your physiotherapist for guidance. Open communication ensures safe and effective care.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master’s degree and possesses the autonomy to assess and diagnose patients, develop treatment plans, and perform advanced procedures. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist, assisting with treatments, modalities, and patient support.

CIUSSS SAGUENAY LAC-ST-JEAN (HÔPITAL DE ROBERVAL)
450, Rue Brassard
Roberval, QC G8H 1B9

Phone: (418) 275-0110

Mireille Bouchard 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.