Virginie Lirette

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

Peripheral Nerve

• 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.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

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

• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Specialized therapeutic interventions provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to assist individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, balance, coordination, strength, and independence following a neurological event or diagnosis.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Customized exercise-based programs (e.g., gaze stabilization, habituation, balance retraining exercises) prescribed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist to reduce vestibular symptoms, improve functional balance, decrease fall risk, and enhance confidence in movement.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Helping you stay steady on your feet and maintain your independence through targeted balance and coordination exercises, and practical fall prevention education.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Virginie. 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 des Laurentides (Cr Le Bouclier), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Virginie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Virginie feeling defeated by my child walking on their toes most of the time. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort and resuming maintaining an upright posture while working on your computer for hours becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move and achieved developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns under the skilled care of Virginie. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably with a new lease on life.
• Patients struggling with managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease can find dedicated and compassionate support from Virginie. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving enhanced ability to participate in social and community events, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours.

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

Virginie practices at the CISSS des Laurentides (Cr Le Bouclier), situated in a centrally located clinic in the Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts neighborhood of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. The facility is part of the public healthcare system and is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access a comprehensive range of healthcare resources. The clinic is well-served by local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Does CISSS des Laurentides (Cr Le Bouclier) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CISSS des Laurentides offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always verify your coverage and any specific requirements with your insurance provider before your visit, as plans may vary. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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. Virginie 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.

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).

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiothérapeute can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy in private clinics is generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. Always verify your coverage directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for reimbursement options.

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, 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 details before your appointment.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While some discomfort or a stretching sensation may be experienced during treatment, especially in the initial phases of injury recovery or stiffness, it is rarely painful in a harmful way. Virginie will guide you through each step, adjusting treatments to your comfort level, ensuring a positive experience aimed at improving your condition.

CISSS des Laurentides (Cr Le Bouclier)
144, Rue Principale E, # 300
Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, QC J8C 1K3

Phone: (819) 324-4055

Virginie Lirette 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.