Nancy Blais

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

Common Msk

• 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.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Nancy. 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 (Hôpital de La Sarre), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Nancy frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Nancy frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun.
• Patients often come to Nancy feeling defeated by working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation and resuming enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• The journey to a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being when faced with persistent a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck is made smoother and more effective with Nancy's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.

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

Nancy practices at the CISSS de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue (Hôpital de La Sarre), situated in a modern clinic within the central La Sarre neighborhood of La Sarre, QC. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care in one place. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for most patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 rely on private insurance for coverage. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting certain criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy is typically not included. It is recommended to verify your specific eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private health insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows Nancy to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for exercises or movements. Shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally suitable. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is an essential part of most physiotherapy treatments. Nancy will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises help manage symptoms between sessions, promote recovery, and empower you for long-term self-care. Active participation in your home program is key to achieving optimal results.

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, which is known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy to confirm their specific requirements before your first appointment.

Does CISSS de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue (Hôpital de La Sarre) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, our clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing is not available, we provide detailed receipts that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. It is recommended to verify your coverage and any applicable limits directly with your insurance provider as plans vary.

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

It is common to experience mild soreness or increased symptoms after treatment, especially at the start of therapy. This usually resolves within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience significant pain, new neurological symptoms, or if soreness persists longer than expected, contact Nancy or the clinic directly. They can advise you on next steps, adjust your treatment plan, or arrange for reassessment if needed.

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 level university program, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans independently. A Physiotherapy Technologist, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They assist physiotherapists and physicians by implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress, playing a vital role in patient care.

CISSS de L'Abitibi-Témiscamingue (Hôpital de La Sarre)
679, 2e Rue Est
La Sarre, QC J9Z 2X7

Phone: (819) 782-4661

Nancy Blais 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.