Benjamin Deschênes – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Benjamin Deschênes is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Clinique de physiothérapie de la Lièvre in Gatineau, QC. Committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, Benjamin aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). His approach emphasizes compassionate support and tailored treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs, fostering a trusting environment where individuals feel empowered in their recovery journey.

Benjamin's physiotherapy practice encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions affecting muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Whether managing acute injuries like sprains and strains, chronic pain, arthritis, or post-operative rehabilitation, Benjamin offers specialized assessments and treatments to facilitate optimal recovery. He also possesses particular expertise in vestibular and balance disorders, providing targeted therapies for dizziness, vertigo, and balance-related concerns caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. His goal is to help patients regain stability, reduce symptoms, and improve their confidence in movement.

Serving older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, Benjamin emphasizes a holistic and evidence-based approach. His ongoing professional development ensures that he remains current with the latest physiotherapy advancements, integrating innovative techniques to benefit his patients. Benjamin believes in empowering individuals through education, promoting preventative care, and supporting long-term wellness to enhance quality of life in the Gatineau community.

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

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• 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.

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Difficulty maintaining stability during standing, walking, or changing positions, which may be due to various factors including age-related changes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal weakness, sensory impairments, or medication side effects, often leading to an increased risk of falls.

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

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Customized exercise-based programs (e.g., gaze stabilization, habituation, balance retraining exercises) prescribed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist to reduce vestibular symptoms, improve functional balance, decrease fall risk, and enhance confidence in movement.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Helping you stay steady on your feet and maintain your independence through targeted balance and coordination exercises, and practical fall prevention education.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Benjamin. 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 Clinique de physiothérapie de la Lièvre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Benjamin frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Physiotherapy with Benjamin can be a transformative turning point for those affected by working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery. The shared goal is achieving increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints, paving the way for you to enjoy competing effectively in your curling league games and a more active, vibrant life.
• Struggling with the frustration of needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity? Benjamin develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence. This is key to helping you get back to doing playing fetch with your dog in the park for an extended time with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Patients often come to Benjamin feeling defeated by trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio) and resuming getting back to your regular, consistent gym workouts becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Benjamin practices at the Clinique de physiothérapie de la Lièvre, situated in the Buckingham Sector neighborhood of Gatineau. The clinic is conveniently located near Les Galeries de Hull, making it easily accessible for residents in the region. It is well-served by public transportation, including services from the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) and the Rapibus BRT system. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiothérapeute will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In Quebec, physiotherapy coverage through RAMQ is limited. Generally, RAMQ does not cover private outpatient physiotherapy services, and patients often pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Certain public programs or hospital services may offer coverage depending on specific eligibility criteria. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for comprehensive coverage.

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, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to confirm with your insurance provider before your first appointment.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master’s level university education, enabling them to assess, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. Conversely, a Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments, assisting physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, applying modalities, and supporting patient exercises.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

If your pain significantly worsens, you develop new concerning symptoms, or discomfort persists beyond a day or two, contact your physiotherapist promptly. It is important to communicate any changes to adjust your treatment plan and ensure your safety and recovery.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

The initial appointment usually lasts around an hour to allow for a thorough assessment and discussion of goals. Follow-up sessions typically range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs. Your physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate duration for your specific treatment plan.

Does Clinique de physiothérapie de la Lièvre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, our clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers, including Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and Blue Cross. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate billing. If direct billing is not available for your insurer, we provide detailed receipts for you to submit for reimbursement. Always verify your coverage and any applicable limits with your insurance provider.

Clinique de physiothérapie de la Lièvre
728, Avenue de Buckingham
Gatineau, QC J8L 2H8

Phone: (819) 281-6313

Benjamin Deschênes 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.