About
Valérie Picard is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CISSS LANAUDIÈRE - CLSC JOLIETTE in Joliette, QC, Valérie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). 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 serves a diverse community of adults and seniors, focusing on enhancing mobility, reducing pain, and promoting overall well-being through personalized physiotherapy interventions.
With a solid educational background and hands-on clinical experience, Valérie completed her diploma in Physiotherapy Technology. She continuously develops her skills and stays current with evidence-based practices, with particular interests in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring. Her approach emphasizes a collaborative and compassionate relationship with her patients, ensuring they feel supported and empowered throughout their recovery journey.
Valérie's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Joliette community through proactive physiotherapy. She adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Fluent in French, Valérie communicates effectively with her community, ensuring clear understanding and personalized care tailored to each individual's needs.
Valérie Picard provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Common Msk
- Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
- Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
- Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.
- Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Valérie can assess your needs.
- Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
- Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
- 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: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
- Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
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 CISSS LANAUDIÈRE - CLSC JOLIETTE, 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:
- For those whose awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) has made driving for longer periods without neck or back pain seem like a distant memory, Valérie's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to driving for longer periods without neck or back pain with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
- Many patients have found lasting relief from trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip and achieved feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement under the skilled care of Valérie. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness with a new lease on life.
- Rediscover your ability to getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting without the constant burden of my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night. Valérie focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Valérie, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Valérie practices at CISSS LANAUDIÈRE - CLSC JOLIETTE, located in the heart of the central Joliette neighborhood of Joliette, QC. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive health support. The clinic is well-integrated into the community, with accessible transit routes that simplify visits for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- 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).
- What are CISSS LANAUDIÈRE - CLSC JOLIETTE's operating hours?
- Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (XXX) XXX-XXXX or check our website/online booking portal at [insert website] for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapy Technologist in QC?
- Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.) directly without a physician's referral, in a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to receive physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to understand their specific requirements.
- What types of conditions do Physiotherapy Technologists at CISSS LANAUDIÈRE - CLSC JOLIETTE treat?
- Valérie's Physiotherapy Technologist colleagues treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain (such as osteoarthritis), joint problems (like arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. They also provide services such as therapeutic exercise instruction and modality application, including manual therapy and rehabilitation for conditions like pelvic health and osteoarthritis. Their treatments often involve stretching, strengthening, and patient education tailored to help you achieve your functional goals.
- 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, and patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy is typically not included. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many extended health plans offer substantial physiotherapy coverage for services outside the public system.
CISSS LANAUDIÈRE - CLSC JOLIETTE
380, Boulevard Base-de-Roc
Joliette, QC J6E 9J6
Phone: (579) 593-6567
Valérie Picard 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.