Sonia Dallaire – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Sonia Dallaire is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale in Québec, QC, Sonia is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Sonia also addresses a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including acute injuries like sprains and strains, chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Her focus is always on empowering her patients to regain independence and achieve their athletic and functional goals.

Sonia's extensive education and hands-on experience underpin her practice philosophy. She completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has continually developed her expertise through ongoing professional development. Sonia has a particular interest in neurological physiotherapy and orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, allowing her to tailor treatments to meet the specific needs of her patients. She believes in a collaborative, patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting to optimize outcomes. Fluent in both English and French, Sonia ensures clear communication and personalized care for her diverse patient base.

Her practice is rooted in evidence-based techniques, prioritizing active participation and functional improvement. Sonia strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel motivated and confident in their rehabilitation journey. Her dedication to excellence and her commitment to performance-oriented physiotherapy make her a trusted partner for athletes and active individuals seeking to optimize their physical health and achieve their maximum potential.

Sonia Dallaire 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.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.

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

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Sonia's clinic, common concerns like feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like running your usual 5k route without knee pain.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist? Sonia works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.
• Many find that loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury significantly impacts their ability to operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work. Sonia helps patients target a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Sonia's practice is situated within the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, located in the heart of Québec. The clinic is in a central Québec neighborhood, making it easily accessible for patients from across the city and surrounding areas. The facility is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, supporting a comprehensive approach to patient wellness. It is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring ease of travel for those using buses or other public transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: 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 all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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 directly by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Certain services received within public hospitals or CLSC may be covered if they meet specific criteria. It's important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage options.

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 education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures with additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They assist physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress to the supervising professional.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy helps you move effectively and comfortably, whether you are recovering from injury, managing chronic pain, or improving athletic performance. Your Physiothérapeute will develop a personalized plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live an active, fulfilling life.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It's advisable to verify the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The required number of sessions varies depending on your condition, severity, and goals. Your Physiothérapeute will discuss an estimated treatment plan during your initial assessment and adjust it as needed based on your progress.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To ensure a productive first visit, please bring your health card, any relevant medical reports or imaging results, a list of medications, and your extended health insurance details if you plan to use direct billing. Wearing comfortable clothing is also recommended.

CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale
2400, Avenue d'Estimauville, 4e étage
Québec, QC G1E 7G9

Phone: (418) 663-1742

Sonia Dallaire 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.