Vanessa Longchamps – Physiotherapy Technologist | Sainte-Marie, QC

Vanessa Longchamps is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CISSS de Chaudière-Appalaches - CHSLD Ste-Marie in Sainte-Marie, QC, Vanessa is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her focus is assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by a physiotherapist or physician, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. Vanessa’s approach is empathetic and supportive, ensuring each patient feels heard and empowered throughout their rehabilitation journey.

Vanessa serves a diverse population, primarily focusing on senior patients, helping them regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life. With a compassionate attitude, she strives to create a welcoming environment where patients can feel comfortable discussing their concerns and progress. Her dedication to ongoing professional development ensures she stays current with evidence-based physiotherapy practices, enabling her to deliver effective and personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs.

Educationally, Vanessa Longchamps completed her degree in Physiotherapy. Her clinical experience has solidified her commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth. She has developed skills in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring, with a particular interest in helping senior patients maintain independence and function. Vanessa’s practice philosophy emphasizes collaboration, patient education, and empowerment, fostering lasting improvements. She is fluent in French, ensuring clear communication with her French-speaking patients.

Vanessa Longchamps 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): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• 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. Vanessa can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.

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 CISSS de Chaudière-Appalaches - CHSLD Ste-Marie, 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 path to recovery from difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy and achieving feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement for safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace often starts with expert guidance. Vanessa, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Patients often come to Vanessa feeling defeated by recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints and resuming playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• When shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely, physiotherapy with Vanessa can help you work towards a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Vanessa practices at 'CISSS de Chaudière-Appalaches - CHSLD Ste-Marie', situated in the central neighborhood of Sainte-Marie. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is accessible via multiple local public transit routes, ensuring ease of transportation for those who prefer public options. 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?

Many physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients often pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some limited coverage may be available for specific cases within public hospitals or CLSCs. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plan for potential reimbursement.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn’t settle within a day or two, please contact Vanessa. Open communication allows for proper assessment and adjustments to your care plan, ensuring your safety and successful recovery.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand your plan’s specifics. Key points include your annual maximums, per-visit limits, whether a doctor's referral is necessary, and if the clinic can bill your insurance directly. If direct billing is available and your plan permits, Vanessa can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You should bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing isn't available, you'll receive an official receipt to submit for reimbursement.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiotherapy Technologist 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 verify your insurance requirements before your appointment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy session to last around an hour, allowing for a thorough assessment and discussion of your goals. Follow-up visits usually range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs. Your Physiotherapy Technologist will advise you on the appropriate duration based on your treatment plan.

CISSS de Chaudière-Appalaches - CHSLD Ste-Marie
775, Rue Étienne-Raymond
Sainte-Marie, QC G6E 3C6

Phone: (418) 387-8181

Vanessa Longchamps 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.