Tommy Simard – Physiotherapist | Chicoutimi, QC

Tommy Simard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Physio Extension Pascal-Denys Grenier in Chicoutimi, QC, Tommy is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. His approach focuses on 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. Tommy also offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues, aiming to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and reduce fall risk.

Tommy serves a diverse patient population, including older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors. His holistic and compassionate approach ensures that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs and goals. Whether working through a recovery plan after surgery or managing persistent balance issues, Tommy's focus is on empowering his patients to regain their independence and enhance their quality of life.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, Tommy completed his degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience. He is committed to ongoing professional development, continually updating his skills and knowledge in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation. Tommy's practice philosophy emphasizes promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Chicoutimi community through proactive physiotherapy. He is fluent in French and English, ensuring clear communication and a welcoming environment for all his patients.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Restoring spinal function, core stability, and body mechanics post-operatively, ensuring a safe progression back to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.
• 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.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

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

• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Tailored exercise prescription, education on safe movement, manual therapy (gentle techniques), and functional training to help seniors maintain their independence, enhance safety in their home and community, and promote active and healthy aging.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.

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

• Physiotherapy with Tommy can be a transformative turning point for those affected by facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy). The shared goal is achieving understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term, paving the way for you to enjoy operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work and a more active, vibrant life.
• When frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing peacefully paddling your kayak or canoe on the lake for hours, physiotherapy with Tommy can help you work towards getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Patients struggling with feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems can find dedicated and compassionate support from Tommy. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness.

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

Tommy practices at Physio Extension Pascal-Denys Grenier, situated in a modern clinic located in the heart of the central Chicoutimi neighborhood of Chicoutimi. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The facility is accessible via multiple local public transit routes, ensuring easy transportation options for everyone. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiothérapeute.

How can I book an appointment at Physio Extension Pascal-Denys Grenier?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (418) 602-3250 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website at https://physioextension.com. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiothérapeute will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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

In general, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. Care received within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy typically is not. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage details.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute without a physician’s referral, a practice known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your initial visit.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute holds a university master’s degree and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, develop treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress without diagnosing or establishing treatment plans independently. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Physio Extension Pascal-Denys Grenier
630, Boulevard du Saguenay E
Chicoutimi, QC G7H 1L2

Phone: (418) 602-3250 | Website: https://physioextension.com

Tommy Simard 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.