Valérie St-Louis – Physiotherapy Technologist | Saint-Jérôme, QC

Valérie St-Louis is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at Physio Extra St-Jérôme in Saint-Jérôme, 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 primarily serves adult patients, helping them regain mobility, reduce pain, and enhance their overall well-being.

Valérie completed her diploma in Physiotherapy Technology and has gained clinical experience through diverse settings, continually sharpening her skills. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices in physiotherapy. Valérie has developed particular expertise in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring, ensuring each individual receives personalized and effective care tailored to their unique needs.

Her practice philosophy emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Valérie promotes preventative care and long-term wellness within the Saint-Jérôme community through proactive physiotherapy. She actively involves individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting, fostering an environment of trust and empowerment. Valérie is fluent in French and English, enabling her to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population.

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

Common Msk

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.

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 Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.

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 Physio Extra St-Jérôme, 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:

• The path to recovery from difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke and achieving a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency for tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence often starts with expert guidance. Valérie, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Many individuals seek help from Valérie, their physiotherapist, when breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID)? Valérie works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids.

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

Valérie practices at Physio Extra St-Jérôme, situated in the Bellefeuille Sector neighborhood of Saint-Jérôme. This private clinic facility is conveniently located near the Cathédrale de Saint-Jérôme and is easily accessible via exo (Secteur Laurentides - Bus). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapy Technologist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

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 kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiotherapy Technologist directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, while a doctor’s referral is not legally required to *see* a Physiotherapy Technologist, some private or extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement. It’s advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions varies based on your condition, severity, and goals. Your Physiotherapy Technologist will discuss an estimated treatment plan after your initial assessment and will monitor progress throughout your care.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some coverage may exist for care in public hospitals or CLSCs under specific conditions. It’s important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

Physio Extra St-Jérôme
305, rue du Docteur Charles-Léonard , # 201
Saint-Jérôme, QC J7Y 0M9

Phone: (450) 602-0909 | Website: https://physioextra.ca/cliniques/physioextra-st-jerome/

Valérie St-Louis 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.