Sophie Lavoie – Physiotherapist | Chicoutimi, QC

Sophie Lavoie is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN in Chicoutimi, QC, Sophie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Sophie actively assists 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. Her focus is on providing tailored interventions that promote optimal recovery and long-term wellness for adults and seniors.
Sophie completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience, emphasizing evidence-based practices. She is committed to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in physiotherapy. Sophie has developed particular expertise and interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy, enabling her to offer specialized care suited to her patients’ diverse needs. Her approach combines manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and patient education to achieve the best outcomes.
With a philosophy rooted in evidence-based practice and continuous learning, Sophie actively involves her patients in their treatment planning and goal setting. She believes that collaboration and education empower individuals to take an active role in their recovery journey. Sophie is fluent in English and French, ensuring clear communication with her diverse patient population and providing culturally sensitive care tailored to her community’s needs.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Guidance on hip precautions (if applicable for your surgical approach), a progressive exercise program, and functional retraining after hip surgery to help you achieve your goals.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.

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

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): In-home rehabilitation programs tailored to your living space and functional needs, helping you regain independence with daily activities, manage pain, and improve mobility where you live.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Effective virtual physiotherapy care to help you manage your condition, progress your rehabilitation, and receive professional advice when in-person visits are challenging or not preferred.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night? Sophie develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas. This is key to helping you get back to doing being able to carry your baby or toddler without straining your back or arms with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Sophie's clinic, common concerns like needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like taking group exercise classes at the community center.
• Tired of trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain interfering with setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports? Sophie uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Sophie practices at CIUSSS SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN, situated within a modern healthcare facility in the central Chicoutimi neighborhood of Chicoutimi. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive health support. The location is well-connected by local public transit routes, ensuring ease of travel for those using buses or other transit options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally necessary to start physiotherapy, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first visit to ensure coverage.

How can I book an appointment at CIUSSS SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (418) 540-6822 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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 diagnoses, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy, assisting physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, helping patients with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CIUSSS SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN treat?

Sophie treats 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, nerve pain, and conditions related to neurological impairments like stroke or Parkinson's disease. Her treatments often involve assessments, manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education aimed at restoring function and reducing pain.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. Care received directly in public hospitals or CLSCs might be covered under specific circumstances. It is important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for comprehensive coverage.

Does CIUSSS SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN 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, and Blue Cross. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate this process. If direct billing is not available for your plan, we provide detailed receipts that you can submit for reimbursement. Always confirm your coverage and any applicable limits directly with your insurer.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to improving movement, function, and overall well-being. A Physiothérapeute uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to assess and treat injuries, pain, and physical impairments. It can help reduce pain, increase mobility, recover from surgeries, prevent future issues, and enhance overall quality of life.

CIUSSS SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN
222, Rue Saint-Éphrem
Chicoutimi, QC G7G 2W5

Phone: (418) 540-6822

Sophie Lavoie 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.