Véronique Ahier – Physiotherapist | Lévis, QC

Véronique Ahier is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at PCN St-Nicolas in Lévis, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Véronique approaches each patient with a warm, community-focused attitude, emphasizing personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs and goals. Her practice is rooted in fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered and engaged in their recovery journey.

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

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Restoring spinal function, core stability, and body mechanics post-operatively, ensuring a safe progression back to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).

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

• Orthopedic Bracing & Support Consultation/Fitting: Helping you choose and correctly use the best brace or support for your specific needs, ensuring proper fit and optimal benefit for your condition.
• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription (if offered/certified): Providing individualized foot supports created from a precise mold of your feet to improve comfort, alignment, reduce pain, and enhance function during walking, running, or standing.
• Therapeutic & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid): Taping strategies implemented by your Physiotherapist to aid in injury management, provide stability during activity, offload sensitive tissues, and promote optimal biomechanics.
• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Véronique. 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 PCN St-Nicolas, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Véronique frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Véronique feeling defeated by feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity and resuming attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• The path to recovery from knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run and achieving improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity for dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations often starts with expert guidance. Véronique, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• If my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking is preventing you from fully enjoying participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf, Véronique offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Véronique practices at PCN St-Nicolas, situated in the Saint-Jean-Chrysostome East neighborhood of Lévis. The clinic is conveniently located near Cégep de Lévis-Lauzon and is easily accessible via Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiothérapeute will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at PCN St-Nicolas treat?

Véronique and her colleagues treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues such as back and neck pain, joint problems like arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, and nerve pain. They also have specialists in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, patient education, and supportive devices like orthoses or braces to help patients regain function and reduce pain.

What is PCN St-Nicolas'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 of 50% of the service cost or a set amount may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact the clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to 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. Some coverage may be available if the care is received directly within a public hospital or CLSC and meets specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many extended health plans offer substantial physiotherapy coverage for private sessions.

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

In Quebec, patients 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 your insurance policy before your first appointment to confirm any specific requirements.

PCN St-Nicolas
820, Route des Rivières, 150
Lévis, QC G7A 2V1

Phone: (418) 914-2766

Véronique Ahier 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.