Andrea Poirier-Boucher – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Andrea Poirier-Boucher is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Montfort Hospital in Ottawa, ON, Andrea Poirier-Boucher is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Andrea Poirier-Boucher's focus is 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. Andrea Poirier-Boucher serves seniors and other patients in the Ottawa community.

Andrea Poirier-Boucher completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Université de Montréal (Graduating Class of 2011). With extensive clinical experience, Andrea Poirier-Boucher is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Andrea Poirier-Boucher has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Andrea Poirier-Boucher employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Andrea Poirier-Boucher offers consultations in English, French.

Andrea Poirier-Boucher provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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 chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• 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.

Post Surgical

• 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.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Andrea Poirier-Boucher can assess your needs.

• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Andrea Poirier-Boucher, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At Montfort Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Andrea Poirier-Boucher frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from Andrea Poirier-Boucher, their physiotherapist, when aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.
• Are you finding that numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs stops you from enjoying competing effectively in their curling league games? Andrea Poirier-Boucher is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Tired of feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be interfering with simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air? Andrea Poirier-Boucher uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began and regain your freedom of movement.
• Many find that trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain significantly impacts their ability to working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness. Andrea Poirier-Boucher helps patients target seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio) with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Andrea Poirier-Boucher practices at Montfort Hospital, situated in the Overbrook, Castle Heights, Vanier South neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the Canadian War Museum and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, some extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. It is crucial to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements for physiotherapy coverage.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

How can I book an appointment at Montfort Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling Montfort Hospital directly at (613) 746-4621 during business hours. Alternatively, you may be able to book online through the hospital's website (please check their site for online booking availability). Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time.

Does Montfort Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact Montfort Hospital directly to inquire about their direct billing policies with private insurance companies. They can confirm which insurers they bill directly and what documentation you may need to bring to your appointment. If direct billing is not available, you will receive an official receipt that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. However, OHIP may cover physiotherapy in certain situations, such as after a hospital stay for specific conditions or for certain vulnerable populations. To determine your eligibility for publicly funded physiotherapy, you should contact OHIP directly. Most individuals will need to rely on private insurance coverage or pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy services received in a private clinic. Always check your private insurance plan details for coverage information.

Montfort Hospital
713 Montreal Rd.
Ottawa, ON, K1K 0T2

Phone: (613) 746-4621

Andrea Poirier-Boucher is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX63

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c9f5f8de-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.