Caroline Corriveau – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Caroline Corriveau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Physio Outaouais et médecine de sport 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). Caroline specializes in addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. Her approach encompasses everything from managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain, arthritis, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She also has a particular expertise in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, ensuring that patients of all activity levels—recreational and elite athletes—can return safely to their sport, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries.

With a solid educational foundation, Caroline completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices to deliver the best possible care. Her skills and interests include Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Sports Physiotherapy, which she applies in her tailored treatment plans to address individual patient needs effectively.

Caroline’s practice philosophy emphasizes promoting preventative care and long-term wellness within the Gatineau community. She adopts a collaborative, patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Fluent in English, French, Italian, and Spanish, Caroline is able to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population, ensuring comprehensive understanding and engagement throughout the rehabilitation process.

Caroline Corriveau 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): 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): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.

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-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.

Common Msk

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.

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

• Gait Analysis & Running/Walking Re-training: Evaluation of how you walk or run, with tailored advice from your Physiotherapist on footwear, technique modifications, and exercises to improve your form and prevent injury.
• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription (if offered/certified): Providing individualized foot supports created from a precise mold of your feet to improve comfort, alignment, reduce pain, and enhance function during walking, running, or standing.
• Therapeutic & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid): Skilled application of specialized therapeutic tapes to support your recovery, facilitate healing, reduce strain on injured structures, and enhance your performance or confidence during movement.
• Orthopedic Bracing & Support Consultation/Fitting: Helping you choose and correctly use the best brace or support for your specific needs, ensuring proper fit and optimal benefit for your condition.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy to address persistent concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, and difficulty concentrating or tolerating activity.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Evidence-based physiotherapy for a wide range of sports-related injuries (e.g., ligament sprains, muscle tears, tendinopathies, overuse injuries), incorporating advanced techniques and sport-specific training.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Caroline. 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 Physio Outaouais et médecine de sport, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Caroline frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Caroline can help you move beyond hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side. The focus is on less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as peacefully paddling your kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain? Caroline works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as taking energetic, long walks with your dog every day.
• For those whose breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity has made getting back to golfing 18 holes without your back acting up seem like a distant memory, Caroline's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to getting back to golfing 18 holes without your back acting up with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Caroline practices at Physio Outaouais et médecine de sport, situated in the Aylmer Sector West neighborhood of Gatineau. This private clinic facility is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor of Gatineau and is easily accessible via public transportation, including the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) and the Rapibus Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The clinic’s location offers easy access for patients from surrounding communities, with parking options readily available. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan permits, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all relevant policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not available, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, it is important to note that some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to verify the specific requirements of their insurance policy before their appointment to ensure coverage.

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 through private insurance. Care received in public hospitals or CLSCs might be covered if meeting specific eligibility criteria, but private outpatient physiotherapy services are usually not reimbursed by RAMQ. Patients are encouraged to verify their private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment involves a comprehensive assessment. Caroline will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, concerns, and functional goals. This is followed by a physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, Caroline will provide a diagnosis or clinical impression, discuss a personalized treatment plan, and often initiate some initial interventions or provide education and a home exercise program to start your rehabilitation journey.

Physio Outaouais et médecine de sport
366, Chemin d'Aylmer, # 200
Gatineau, QC J9H 1A7

Phone: (819) 682-8050 | Website: PhysioOutaouais.ca

Caroline Corriveau 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.