Valérie Bessette – Physiotherapy Technologist | La Prairie, QC

Valérie Bessette is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CISSSMO - CHSLD La Prairie in La Prairie, QC, Valérie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. 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. Valérie primarily serves adults and seniors, focusing on enhancing mobility, reducing pain, and promoting overall well-being through a performance and athletic-oriented approach.

With a solid educational foundation and clinical experience, Valérie Bessette completed her diploma in Physiotherapy Technology. She continually seeks professional development opportunities to stay current with evidence-based practices. Valérie has developed particular expertise in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring, ensuring her interventions are tailored to each individual's needs and goals. Her approach emphasizes personalized care, empowering patients to actively participate in their recovery process.

Valérie's practice philosophy is rooted in a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. She is dedicated to evidence-based practice and ongoing learning to provide the best possible care. Valérie believes in empowering her patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. She is fluent in French, ensuring effective communication and personalized support for her Francophone patients.

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

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• 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).

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

• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.

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

• Valérie frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like handling your job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
• The journey to reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease when faced with persistent feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be is made smoother and more effective with Valérie's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain.
• Don't let dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) dictate what you can and cannot do. Valérie offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces, helping you reclaim actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Valérie practices at CISSSMO - CHSLD La Prairie, situated in a central location within the La Prairie neighborhood of La Prairie, QC. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring that patients can reach their appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy coverage through RAMQ is limited. Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered, and patients typically pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting certain criteria. It is advisable to verify your specific eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private extended health insurance for additional coverage options.

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

To ensure a smooth first visit, consider bringing your health card, any referral or doctor’s note if applicable, results from imaging tests related to your current condition, a list of medications, and your insurance details for direct billing if available. Wearing comfortable clothing is also recommended.

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

Experiencing mild soreness or temporary symptoms after treatment is common. However, if you experience severe pain, new neurological symptoms, or symptoms that last longer than 48 hours, contact Valérie or the clinic directly for advice or reassessment.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiotherapy Technologist directly without a referral, known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a physician’s referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy before your appointment.

CISSSMO - CHSLD La Prairie
500, Avenue de Balmoral
La Prairie, QC J5R 4N5

Phone: (450) 659-9148

Valérie Bessette 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.