Vanessa Bouchard – Physiotherapist | Chicoutimi, QC

Vanessa Bouchard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS Installation de Chicoutimi in Chicoutimi, QC, Vanessa is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their overall quality of life.

With a solid educational foundation, Vanessa completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development and adheres to evidence-based physiotherapy practices to ensure her patients receive the most effective and current treatments. Vanessa’s approach emphasizes personalized care, taking the time to understand each patient's unique needs and goals.

Vanessa believes in empowering her patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. She adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to develop tailored treatment plans that facilitate optimal recovery and functional improvements. Vanessa is fluent in both English and French, allowing her to communicate effectively with a diverse range of patients.

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

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.

Common Msk

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.

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

• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• 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 Vanessa. 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 CIUSSS Installation de Chicoutimi, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Vanessa frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again when faced with persistent awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) is made smoother and more effective with Vanessa's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace.
• Patients often come to Vanessa feeling defeated by that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors and resuming playing in your competitive volleyball league again becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• It's truly rewarding for Vanessa to witness patients conquer experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy and experience running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work again.

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

Vanessa practices at the CIUSSS Installation de Chicoutimi, situated in a central location in Chicoutimi. The clinic is housed within a public healthcare facility that offers convenient access for patients, being close to local community services and pharmacies. Easily accessible via local public transit routes, the clinic is situated in the vibrant and accessible neighborhood of Chicoutimi. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Vanessa or your healthcare provider directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Is there parking available at or near CIUSSS Installation de Chicoutimi?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Metered street parking is generally available on nearby streets, and there is also a paid public parkade located one block east of our clinic. Limited free street parking may be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiothérapeute uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiothérapeute will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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

[Physiotherapy in private clinics in Quebec is generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage details.]

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 and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments but not diagnosing or creating treatment plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

Patients in Quebec can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm specific requirements.

CIUSSS Installation de Chicoutimi
305, Rue Saint-Vallier
Chicoutimi, QC G7H 5H6

Phone: (418) 541-1000

Vanessa Bouchard 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.