Raquel Wanderley Pereira – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Raquel Wanderley Pereira is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CISSS de L'Outaouais (CLSC de Gatineau) in Gatineau, QC, Raquel is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She strives to provide personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs, fostering recovery and enhancing overall well-being.

Raquel's physiotherapy focus encompasses addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She is also experienced in 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. Her approach emphasizes empowering patients through education and active participation in their recovery journey.

Serving patients of all ages, from infants and young children through to adults and seniors, Raquel is dedicated to supporting the community's health and vitality. With a compassionate and community-focused philosophy, she aims to help everyone regain confidence in their movement and achieve their wellness goals.

Raquel Wanderley Pereira provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.

Neurological

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy strategies to help manage common MS symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, spasticity, balance problems, walking difficulties, pain, and bladder dysfunction, aiming to maintain function, improve quality of life, and promote self-management.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Helping individuals with spinal cord injuries achieve their highest level of physical potential through targeted exercises, functional training, equipment prescription, and compensatory strategies.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Rehabilitation strategies tailored to the unique and often variable presentation of FND, working collaboratively with the patient to achieve their functional goals.

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

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• 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): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Raquel. 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 L'Outaouais (CLSC de Gatineau), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Raquel frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Tired of recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee interfering with going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again? Raquel uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form and regain your freedom of movement.
• Many find that that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees significantly impacts their ability to competing effectively in your curling league games. Raquel helps patients target a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Raquel can help you move beyond that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder. The focus is on improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.

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

Raquel practices at CISSS de L'Outaouais (CLSC de Gatineau), situated in the Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighborhood of Gatineau. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Terminus de la Cité and is accessible via Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT system. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 use private insurance. Certain care within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if specific eligibility criteria are met. It’s important to verify your coverage directly with RAMQ and to check your private extended health insurance plans, as many offer substantial physiotherapy benefits for services in private clinics.

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

Patients in Quebec 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 before your first appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiothérapeute as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques aim to assess and treat joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve mobility, including joint mobilizations, soft tissue release, and sometimes manipulations, depending on your condition and therapist’s qualifications.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first appointment, consider bringing your health card, any relevant doctor’s referral, reports of imaging tests, a list of medications, and your extended health benefits information for direct billing if applicable. Wearing comfortable clothing can also help facilitate the assessment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial appointment will include a thorough assessment where your Physiothérapeute discusses your medical history, current symptoms, and goals. A physical examination follows, evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, and movement patterns. Based on the findings, your therapist will discuss a personalized treatment plan and may begin some initial interventions or provide education and exercises to start your recovery.

What is CISSS de L'Outaouais (CLSC de Gatineau)’s appointment cancellation policy?

We kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling to allow other patients the opportunity to be seen. Late cancellations or no-shows without sufficient notice may incur a fee, typically around 50% of the appointment cost. Please contact our clinic as early as possible if you need to change your appointment.

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

A Physiothérapeute has completed a master’s degree in physiotherapy, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and supports physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, and applying modalities under supervision.

CISSS de L'Outaouais (CLSC de Gatineau)
104, Rue Lois
Gatineau, QC J8Y 3R7

Phone: (819) 770-1022

Raquel Wanderley Pereira 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.