Myriam Boudreault – Physiotherapist | Chicoutimi, QC

Myriam Boudreault is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSS Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean in Chicoutimi, QC, Myriam is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She plays a vital role in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-operative conditions, always striving to optimize her patients' recovery and well-being. Myriam believes in empowering her patients through education, personalized treatment plans, and evidence-based interventions to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Myriam's approach to physiotherapy emphasizes a holistic perspective, focusing on both acute and chronic conditions. Her expertise encompasses managing issues such as muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament injuries. She also provides specialized care for neurological conditions including stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. Her goal is to assist individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing their overall quality of life, especially serving senior patients in her community.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Myriam has cultivated skills in orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and neurological physiotherapy. She is committed to evidence-based practice and continuous learning, ensuring her patients receive the most current and effective treatments. Fluent in French and English, Myriam fosters clear communication and compassionate care, creating a welcoming environment for all her patients.

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

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy management of acute and persistent symptoms of a concussion, including addressing associated neck pain/dysfunction (cervicogenic component), vestibular (balance/dizziness) issues, oculomotor (eye movement) problems, and exertional intolerance.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

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

• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for concussion recovery, including initial assessment of symptoms (headache, dizziness, etc.), management of associated neck pain or dysfunction (cervicogenic component), vestibular and oculomotor (eye movement) rehabilitation, and guided, gradual return-to-learn, work, and sport protocols.
• 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.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Specialized therapeutic interventions provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to assist individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, balance, coordination, strength, and independence following a neurological event or diagnosis.

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

• Patients often come to Myriam feeling defeated by difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years and resuming getting on and off the floor with ease becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Are you finding that pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard stops you from enjoying enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again? Myriam is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Tired of needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity interfering with standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event? Myriam uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Myriam practices at CIUSS Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, situated within a modern clinic in the central Chicoutimi neighborhood of Chicoutimi. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located 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 travel for those relying on public transportation. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. It is recommended to contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key factors to verify include your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor’s referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan permits it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not available, we will provide an official receipt for you to submit to your insurer.

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 diagnoses, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions, including some restricted activities if certified. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician. They apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide exercises, and monitor progress but do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The initial appointment typically involves a comprehensive assessment. Expect to discuss your specific issue, medical history, and overall health background. Your physiothérapeute will perform physical tests to evaluate movement, strength, and areas of concern. The goal is to understand your condition thoroughly and develop a personalized treatment plan. You may also receive initial hands-on care and home exercises to begin your recovery.

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. Some coverage may be available for care received directly within public hospitals or CLSCs under specific circumstances. Most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are paid out-of-pocket or through private insurance. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage details.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The required number of sessions varies depending on the individual’s condition, severity, and treatment goals. Factors such as the chronicity of the issue, response to therapy, and adherence to prescribed exercises influence the duration. Myriam will discuss a treatment plan after your initial assessment and adjust it based on your progress.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a doctor’s referral (known as direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy before your appointment to confirm any specific requirements.

CIUSS Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean
930, Rue Jacques-Cartier E
Chicoutimi, QC G7H 7K9

Phone: (418) 545-4980

Myriam Boudreault 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.