Steve Chouinard – Physiotherapist | Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, QC

Steve Chouinard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CSSS DE MONTMAGNY L'ISLET in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, QC, Steve is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. His approach emphasizes understanding each individual's unique needs, promoting recovery through personalized treatment plans that focus on restoring function, reducing pain, and improving overall well-being.

Steve's scope of practice encompasses 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. Additionally, Steve 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. His compassionate approach ensures that each patient feels supported and motivated throughout their healing journey.

With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Steve has cultivated expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. He is committed to evidence-based practices, ensuring that his treatments are grounded in the latest research and clinical guidelines. Fluent in English and French, Steve is able to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations, fostering a collaborative environment focused on achieving optimal health outcomes.

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

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.
• 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.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.
• 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.

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• 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.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.

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

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach to help you navigate your recovery after a concussion, promoting symptom resolution and safe resumption of activities.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.

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

• If that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit is preventing you from fully enjoying resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely, Steve offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Patients struggling with recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) can find dedicated and compassionate support from Steve. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• Struggling with the frustration of trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip? Steve develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort. This is key to helping you get back to doing joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Steve's practice is located within the CSSS DE MONTMAGNY L'ISLET, situated in a central clinic in the Saint-Jean-Port-Joli neighborhood of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli. This public healthcare facility is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiothérapeute will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, it’s important to note that some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their insurance policies beforehand to ensure coverage.

What is CSSS DE MONTMAGNY L'ISLET's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost or a set amount like $XX may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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 typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered under specific circumstances, but most private outpatient physiotherapy services require private insurance coverage. Patients are advised to verify their eligibility with RAMQ and consult their insurance plans for coverage details.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiothérapeute will conduct a detailed evaluation to understand your condition comprehensively. This includes discussing your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, reviewing medical history, and establishing your personal goals. A physical assessment will then be performed to identify the cause of your issues and evaluate your physical capabilities. The therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a plan of care. You will likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery.

How can I book an appointment at CSSS DE MONTMAGNY L'ISLET?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (418) 598-3355 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer 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.

CSSS DE MONTMAGNY L'ISLET
430, Rue Jean-Leclerc
Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, QC G0R 3G0

Phone: (418) 598-3355

Steve Chouinard 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.