Sarah Chevalier – Physiotherapy Technologist | Joliette, QC

Sarah Chevalier is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at Clinique Optiforme in Joliette, QC, Sarah is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her role involves assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. Sarah primarily serves adult patients, helping them regain movement, reduce pain, and enhance their overall well-being.

Sarah Chevalier completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience through ongoing practice. She is dedicated to continuous professional development and staying updated with evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sarah has developed skills and a particular interest in areas such as therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring, ensuring personalized and effective treatment approaches for her patients.

Her practice philosophy emphasizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. She advocates for preventative care and long-term wellness within the Joliette community through proactive physiotherapy. Sarah works collaboratively with her patients to help them achieve their movement and functional goals. She is fluent in both English and French, facilitating clear communication and personalized care for a diverse patient population.

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

Common Msk

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Sarah. 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 Clinique Optiforme, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Sarah frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Sarah feeling defeated by recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being and resuming returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Living with loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury doesn't have to be your norm. Sarah applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching your back.
• At Sarah's physiotherapy practice, individuals with feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems are guided towards a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.

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

Sarah practices at Clinique Optiforme, situated in the heart of the central Joliette neighborhood. This private clinic facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care in a familiar and accessible setting. The clinic is easily reachable via local public transit routes, ensuring patients can attend appointments without difficulty. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapy Technologist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapy Technologist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapy Technologist in QC?

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiotherapy Technologist directly through a process called "direct access," without needing a physician's referral. 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 appointment to ensure coverage.

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

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your coverage details with RAMQ and your private insurer.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapy Technologists at Clinique Optiforme treat?

Our Physiotherapy Technologists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries including post-COVID-19 symptoms, nerve pain, and other functional impairments. They utilize modalities such as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photo-bio modulation, Therapeutic Ultrasound, and patient education to support your recovery and help you reach your goals.

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

A Physiothérapeute has completed a master's level university education, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans independently, with the ability to perform advanced procedures. A Physiotherapy Technologist has completed a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They work under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, applying modalities, and monitoring patient progress.

Clinique Optiforme
274, Chemin des Prairies
Joliette, QC J6E 4J5

Phone: (450) 752-8814 | Website: www.cliniqueoptiforme.com

Sarah Chevalier 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.