Valérie Gagnon – Physiotherapist | Lévis, QC

Valérie Gagnon is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Physiothérapie des Rives in Lévis, QC, Valérie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach combines compassion with evidence-based practices, ensuring each patient receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs. Valérie understands that injury and pain can significantly impact daily life, and she strives to support her patients through their recovery journey with empathy and professionalism.

Her 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. Valérie also specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Her care is tailored to help athletes of all levels, from recreational enthusiasts to elite competitors, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. She serves patients of all ages, from infants and young children through to adults and seniors, ensuring accessible, supportive care for the entire family.

Valérie Gagnon completed her degree in Physiotherapy with a strong foundation in clinical practice. She is committed to continuous professional development and staying current with the latest physiotherapy research and techniques. Valérie has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy, which allows her to effectively address complex conditions. Her patient-centered philosophy emphasizes collaboration, education, and empowering individuals with practical self-management strategies, fostering long-term health and mobility. Valérie is fluent in French, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for her French-speaking patients.

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

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• 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.
• 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.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

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

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• 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.

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

• Patients struggling with recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches can find dedicated and compassionate support from Valérie. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.
• Valérie frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult and achieved feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day under the skilled care of Valérie. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as maintaining your balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails with a new lease on life.

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

Valérie practices at Physiothérapie des Rives, situated in the Saint-Romuald, Saint-Jean-Chrysostome West neighborhood of Lévis. The private clinic facility is conveniently located near Parcours des Anses (Waterfront Walkway) and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis). 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 rely on private insurance. However, care received within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered under specific circumstances. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see 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 details before your first appointment.

Is there parking available at or near Physiothérapie des Rives?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Additional street parking may also be available nearby, and there are options for paid parking in the vicinity. Always check local signage for restrictions.

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

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying treatments and guiding exercises without diagnosing or independently planning treatments. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessments usually last between 45 to 60 minutes, allowing for a thorough evaluation. Follow-up sessions are typically 30 to 45 minutes, depending on individual needs and treatment plans.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, and manipulations to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, relax muscles, and facilitate nerve movement, helping your body move better.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, your Physiothérapeute will provide tailored home exercises to complement your treatment, promoting faster recovery and longer-lasting results. Consistent practice of these exercises is key to achieving your goals.

Physiothérapie des Rives
1190-A, Rue de Courchevel, # 201
Lévis, QC G6W 0M5

Phone: (418) 834-1525 | Website: physiodesrives.com

Valérie Gagnon 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.