Vanessa Racine – Physiotherapist | Saint-André-Avellin, QC

Vanessa Racine is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CISSSO - La RessourSe Point De Service Petite-Nation in Saint-André-Avellin, QC, Vanessa is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Vanessa’s approach emphasizes understanding each patient’s unique health needs, especially focusing on the specific challenges faced by older adults, with goals to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, and overall independence while managing age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis.

Vanessa completed her degree in Physiotherapy and, with extensive clinical experience, remains committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. She has cultivated particular expertise in Neurological Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health, enabling her to provide specialized care tailored to her patients’ needs. Her continuous learning ensures that her treatment strategies incorporate the latest advancements, promoting optimal recovery and wellness outcomes for her diverse patient population.

Her practice philosophy centers on a collaborative, patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Vanessa believes in empowering her patients through education and self-management strategies to foster long-term health benefits. Fluent in both French and English, Vanessa effectively communicates with a broad range of patients, ensuring clarity and comfort throughout the rehabilitation process.

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

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Physiotherapy focuses on improving balance, strength, sensation (where possible), reducing fall risk, managing pain, and providing education on foot care (especially for diabetic neuropathy) and adaptive strategies.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.

Geriatric

• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Physiotherapy aimed at improving safe and efficient movement, gait quality (e.g., step length, speed, pattern), balance, and confidence in mobility for seniors. May include assessment and prescription of appropriate mobility aids (e.g., cane, walker).
• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: A decline in physical function, muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), and endurance commonly associated with aging or inactivity, sometimes leading to frailty, increased fall risk, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks independently.

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

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.

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 CISSSO - La RessourSe Point De Service Petite-Nation, 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:

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Vanessa's clinic, common concerns like feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back.
• Tired of an awkward gait or limping when I walk interfering with pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty? Vanessa uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence and regain your freedom of movement.
• Many find that trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain significantly impacts their ability to using garden tools effectively and without pain. Vanessa helps patients target enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Vanessa practices at 'CISSSO - La RessourSe Point De Service Petite-Nation', situated in a central clinic within the Saint-André-Avellin neighborhood of Saint-André-Avellin. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it accessible for residents and visitors alike. The clinic is easily reachable via local public transit routes, ensuring that patients can attend their appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

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 Physiothérapeute 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.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral may not be legally required to consult a physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the requirements of your specific insurance policy before your appointment.

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. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered under certain conditions. It is recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and review your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services.

What is CISSSO - La RessourSe Point De Service Petite-Nation's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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, establish diagnoses, create treatment plans, and apply various therapeutic interventions. They are autonomous healthcare professionals. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, focusing on applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress, but they do not diagnose or create treatment plans independently. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

CISSSO - La RessourSe Point De Service Petite-Nation
10, Rue St-André
Saint-André-Avellin, QC J0V 1W0

Phone: (819) 983-2712

Vanessa Racine 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.