Alexandra Childs – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Alexandra Childs is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Symmetry Performance Group in Gatineau, 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). Alexandra approaches each patient with empathy and support, understanding that every individual’s journey to recovery is unique. Her goal is to empower her patients through education, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate care to help them regain their mobility, reduce pain, and enhance their overall well-being.

Specializing in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, Alexandra focuses on the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of issues affecting muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Her expertise includes managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic conditions like arthritis and post-operative rehabilitation. Alexandra also has a particular interest in sports physiotherapy, tailoring her care to athletes of all levels—from recreational enthusiasts to elite competitors—aiming to facilitate a safe return to sport, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. She serves children, adolescents, and adults, ensuring comprehensive care across all age groups.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, Alexandra continuously updates her skills through ongoing professional development. Her approach emphasizes a collaborative relationship with her patients, promoting preventative care and long-term wellness within the Gatineau community. Alexandra offers care in English and is dedicated to supporting her patients every step of the way on their path to recovery.

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

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

Common Msk

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• 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.
• 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.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Alexandra 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.
• 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 Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Alexandra can help you move beyond post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery. The focus is on being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back.
• Patients struggling with shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult can find dedicated and compassionate support from Alexandra. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand), using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as taking group exercise classes at the community center.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash? Alexandra works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as managing your personal care routines independently.

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

Alexandra practices at Symmetry Performance Group, situated in the Aylmer Sector West neighborhood of Gatineau. The clinic is conveniently located near UQO Campus St-Joseph, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. It is well connected via the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT system, ensuring straightforward transit options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiothérapeute will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician’s referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not always legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurer beforehand to ensure coverage. Alexandra recommends verifying your specific insurance requirements before your first visit.

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 diagnoses, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a broad range of therapeutic interventions, including some restricted activities with specific attestations. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician. They assist with prescribed treatments, guide exercises, and monitor progress but do not diagnose or independently develop treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private insurance plans offer coverage for registered physiotherapy services, either fully or partially. It is recommended to contact your insurer before your appointment to understand your specific benefits, including your annual maximum, co-payments, and whether a doctor’s referral is needed for reimbursement. If your plan allows direct billing and our clinic offers this service, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered amount. Otherwise, you will pay at the time of service and submit receipts for reimbursement. Remember to bring your insurance card and policy details to your first visit.

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 use private insurance for these services. Certain publicly funded physiotherapy services may be available through hospitals or CLSCs for specific populations or conditions, but private outpatient physiotherapy is usually not covered. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage details.

Symmetry Performance Group
10, Rue Broad
Gatineau, QC J9H 4G8

Phone: (418) 261-4152

Alexandra Childs 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.