Audrey Gauthier – Physiotherapist | Donnacona, QC

Audrey Gauthier is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Axo Physio Donnacona in Donnacona, 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 muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, offering comprehensive assessments and personalized treatment plans. Whether managing acute injuries like sprains and strains or chronic conditions such as arthritis, Audrey strives to help her patients regain their mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life. She serves older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, tailoring her interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Throughout her career, Audrey has completed her degree in Physiotherapy and gained valuable clinical experience. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices, with a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Her continuous learning ensures she remains current with the latest techniques and treatment modalities, enabling her to provide effective and innovative care to her community. Audrey’s professional journey is driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on her patients’ health and wellness, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment for healing and recovery.

Audrey believes in a patient-centered philosophy that actively involves individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. She emphasizes empowering her patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Collaboration and open communication are core to her practice, ensuring that each person feels heard, valued, and motivated throughout their rehabilitation journey. Audrey is fluent in French and English, allowing her to effectively connect with a diverse community and provide culturally sensitive care.

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

Arthritis

• 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.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• 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.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Gentle and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation following spinal surgery (e.g., for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spinal fusion), initiated once cleared by your surgeon, to improve mobility, core strength, posture, reduce pain, and safely return to daily activities.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).

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

• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.

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).

At Axo Physio Donnacona, 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:

• For those whose dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) has made participating in community events and social gatherings more actively seem like a distant memory, Audrey's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to participating in community events and social gatherings more actively with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Patients struggling with that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit can find dedicated and compassionate support from Audrey. 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 taking group exercise classes at the community center.
• Living with my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night doesn't have to be your norm. Audrey applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of enduring your daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness.

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

Axo Physio Donnacona is situated in the heart of the central Donnacona neighborhood, making it a convenient choice for residents seeking quality physiotherapy care. The clinic is housed within a modern private facility that is easily accessible by public transit, with nearby community services and pharmacies enhancing the ease of your visit. Our location is thoughtfully designed to accommodate patients of all mobility levels, ensuring a comfortable experience. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. While a referral is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private and extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at Axo Physio Donnacona treat?

Audrey and her colleagues treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, and nerve pain. Their treatments often involve comprehensive assessments, postural correction, manual therapy, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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 through private insurance. Care received in hospitals or CLSCs may be covered under certain conditions. It is recommended to verify your specific eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for coverage details.

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, with a college diploma, works under supervision, applying treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or independently establish treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Is there parking available at or near Axo Physio Donnacona?

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 is usually available nearby, and a paid public parkade is located within a short walking distance. Please check local signage for any restrictions or time limits.

Axo Physio Donnacona
268, Route 138, bureau 103
Donnacona, QC G3M 1C2

Phone: (418) 462-1212

Audrey Gauthier 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.