Vicky Pare – Physiotherapist | Sainte-Marie, QC

Vicky Pare is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at PROPHYSIO STE-MARIE in Sainte-Marie, QC. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered physiotherapy care that aligns with the standards of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Vicky specializes in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. Her approach encompasses everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, Vicky offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues, with the goal of reducing symptoms, improving stability, and minimizing fall risk. Her practice serves patients of all ages, from infants and young children to adults and seniors, ensuring tailored care for every stage of life.

With a strong foundation in physiotherapy education and clinical experience, Vicky Pare completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has since dedicated herself to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. She has developed particular expertise and interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation, allowing her to offer comprehensive care for complex conditions. Her continuous learning ensures that she remains current with the latest techniques and treatments, providing her patients with the most effective, innovative solutions.

Vicky’s practice philosophy emphasizes a commitment to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning to deliver optimal care. She believes in empowering her patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies that promote lasting results. Her collaborative approach involves working closely with each individual to develop personalized treatment plans that help them achieve their movement and functional goals. Vicky is fluent in both English and French, enabling her to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population and ensure understanding and comfort throughout the rehabilitation process.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Gentle and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation following spinal surgery (e.g., for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spinal fusion), initiated once cleared by your surgeon, to improve mobility, core strength, posture, reduce pain, and safely return to daily activities.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.

Vestibular Balance

• 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: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.

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

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.

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

• Don't let working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery dictate what you can and cannot do. Vicky offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health, helping you reclaim getting back to golfing 18 holes without your back acting up and enjoy a more functional life.
• Patients struggling with soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise can find dedicated and compassionate support from Vicky. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as getting back to your regular, consistent gym workouts.
• Rediscover your ability to shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back without the constant burden of trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Vicky focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Vicky practices at PROPHYSIO STE-MARIE, situated in a modern clinic located in the heart of the Sainte-Marie neighborhood of Sainte-Marie, QC. The clinic's central location provides easy access for patients from the surrounding community, with nearby amenities and services. The facility is conveniently accessible via local public transit routes, making it simple for patients to reach their appointments without hassle. 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?

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).

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

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

How can I book an appointment at PROPHYSIO STE-MARIE?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (418) 387-8897 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website at pro-physio.ca. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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 the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor’s referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If PROPHYSIO STE-MARIE offers direct billing and your plan permits it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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 typically pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. Some coverage may be available if care is received directly within a public hospital or CLSC under specific criteria, but private outpatient physiotherapy in clinics like PROPHYSIO STE-MARIE is usually not covered. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

PROPHYSIO STE-MARIE
774-F, Rue Étienne-Raymond
Sainte-Marie, QC G6E 0K6

Phone: (418) 387-8897 | Website: pro-physio.ca

Vicky Pare 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.