Description
About Audrey
Audrey Castonguay is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Clinique physiothérapie-ergothérapie du littoral in Rivière-du-Loup, 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). Audrey's approach focuses on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal and functional conditions, ensuring each patient receives personalized assessment and treatment tailored to their unique needs. Her goal is to help individuals restore mobility, reduce pain, and regain confidence in their daily activities.
With a comprehensive understanding of physiotherapy, Audrey specializes in managing conditions related to muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. This includes acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic issues like arthritis and persistent pain. Additionally, Audrey provides specialized assessment and treatment for pelvic health concerns affecting all genders, including incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal conditions. Her holistic approach ensures that each patient’s treatment plan promotes long-term wellness and functional independence.
Audrey completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has developed extensive clinical experience, continually enhancing her skills through ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. She has a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. Fluent in French, Audrey emphasizes empowering her patients through education, practical self-management strategies, and collaborative goal-setting, fostering a supportive environment for recovery and improved quality of life.
Common Conditions Audrey Castonguay Addresses
Audrey Castonguay provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Chronic Pain
- Fibromyalgia: Physiotherapy approaches for managing the diffuse pain, stiffness, and tenderness associated with fibromyalgia, often involving gentle exercise (e.g., aquatic therapy, tai chi, graded aerobic activity), pain science education, activity pacing, and stress reduction strategies.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) - Activity Management: Supporting individuals with CFS/ME to manage their symptoms, avoid PEM, and find sustainable ways to engage in activity, often in collaboration with other healthcare providers.
- Persistent Post-Surgical Pain (Chronic): Ongoing pain that continues for more than 3-6 months after a surgical procedure, well beyond the expected healing period, and is not attributable to other causes like infection or implant failure.
Hand & Wrist
- Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.
- Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
Pregnancy & Postpartum
- Postpartum Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (e.g., Incontinence, Pain, Prolapse): Helping new mothers recover optimal pelvic floor function, manage pain, and safely return to exercise and daily activities in the postpartum period.
- C-Section Scar Management and Abdominal Recovery: Physiotherapy techniques to improve the mobility, appearance, and sensation of a Caesarean section (C-section) scar, reduce associated pain, adhesions, or restrictions, and facilitate abdominal muscle recovery and core function.
- Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) / Low Back Pain / Sciatica: Physiotherapy to alleviate common aches and pains experienced by expectant mothers, helping them to enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy and prepare for labor.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Audrey can assess your needs.
Audrey Castonguay's Physiotherapy Services
- Perineal & Pelvic Pain Rehabilitation: Holistic physiotherapy care for dysfunctions of the perineal and pelvic region, including chronic pelvic pain syndromes, pain after childbirth (e.g., perineal tears, episiotomy), post-surgical recovery (e.g., prostatectomy, hysterectomy, endometriosis surgery), and issues related to bowel/bladder function or sexual pain (dyspareunia, vaginismus).
- Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiothérapeute to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
- Biofeedback for Pelvic Floor Muscle Retraining: Guided exercises with visual or auditory biofeedback to improve your ability to correctly activate, strengthen, coordinate, or relax your pelvic floor muscles, enhancing treatment outcomes for incontinence or pelvic pain.
- Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (Assessment & Treatment - Internal exams where authorized/applicable and with consent): Targeted therapy for pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, focusing on restoring optimal strength, endurance, coordination, relaxation, and normal function to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: A holistic and active approach to managing long-standing pain, empowering you with tools and knowledge for better daily living, increased activity tolerance, and improved mood.
- Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Tailored physiotherapy including gentle exercise prescription (e.g., aquatic therapy, graded aerobic exercise), pain management education, activity pacing strategies, stress reduction techniques, and gentle manual therapies for individuals living with fibromyalgia or other widespread pain conditions.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Audrey. 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).
Achieving Your Goals with Physiotherapy
At Clinique physiothérapie-ergothérapie du littoral, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Audrey frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Don't let needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity dictate what you can and cannot do. Audrey offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings, helping you reclaim shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back and enjoy a more functional life.
- The journey to running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form when faced with persistent wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night is made smoother and more effective with Audrey's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache.
- Living with recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery doesn't have to be your norm. Audrey applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Audrey, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Clinic Location & Accessibility
Audrey practices at Clinique physiothérapie-ergothérapie du littoral, situated in a modern clinic located in the heart of Rivière-du-Loup's central neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned within the community, close to local services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care. It is well-served by public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for all. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Physiotherapy
- Does Clinique physiothérapie-ergothérapie du littoral offer direct billing to private insurance companies?
- Yes, Clinique physiothérapie-ergothérapie du littoral offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Patients are advised to bring their insurance card and policy details to facilitate the process. It is recommended to confirm coverage specifics, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductibles, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary. Any portion not covered by insurance remains the responsibility of the patient.
- 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 and is an autonomous healthcare professional authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions, including certain restricted activities with attestations. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level (CEGEP) 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 plan treatments. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).
- Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?
- Absolutely. Physiotherapy not only treats current conditions but also emphasizes injury prevention. A Physiothérapeute can assess movement patterns, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances, and provide personalized exercise programs and strategies to reduce the risk of future injuries. This proactive approach benefits athletes, active individuals, and anyone seeking to maintain musculoskeletal health over the long term.
- Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Physiothérapeute in QC?
- In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly (known as direct access) without a physician's referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.
- Will I be given exercises to do at home?
- Yes, almost always. Your Physiothérapeute will tailor a home exercise program designed to target your specific issues, enhance your progress, and ensure lasting results. Performing these exercises as instructed is crucial for optimal recovery and ongoing maintenance.
- Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Generally, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ, and patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. However, some services in public hospitals or CLSCs might be covered under specific circumstances. It is recommended to verify coverage details directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan, as many offer benefits for physiotherapy in private clinics.
Clinic Contact & Licensing Information
Clinique physiothérapie-ergothérapie du littoral
116, Rue Lafontaine
Rivière-du-Loup, QC G5R 3A2
Phone: (418) 867-8989
Audrey Castonguay 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.