Claudine Pageau – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Claudine Pageau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CISSS de l'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation en déficience physique La RessourSe in Gatineau, QC, Claudine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs, goals, and lifestyle, ensuring a collaborative and empowering rehabilitation process.

Claudine's physiotherapy focus encompasses assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life following neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. She also addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Her goal is to support patients in regaining independence and confidence in their daily activities.

With a solid educational background and extensive clinical experience, Claudine has developed particular expertise in neurological physiotherapy and musculoskeletal care. She is committed to ongoing professional development, integrating evidence-based practices into her treatments. Fluent in both English and French, Claudine strives to communicate clearly and compassionately, fostering a trusting and effective therapeutic relationship with her patients.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.
• 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.

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo that is highly treatable with specific physiotherapy maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver, designed to reposition the displaced inner ear crystals.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.
• 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.

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 degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

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

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• 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.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Tailored exercises, hands-on techniques, and functional strategies to manage symptoms (e.g., spasticity, weakness, ataxia) and optimize function in various neurological conditions, promoting participation in daily life.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach to help you navigate your recovery after a concussion, promoting symptom resolution and safe resumption of activities.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Claudine. 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 CISSS de l'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation en déficience physique La RessourSe, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Claudine frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Physiotherapy with Claudine can be a transformative turning point for those affected by a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns). The shared goal is achieving a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties, paving the way for you to enjoy playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids and a more active, vibrant life.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Claudine can help you move beyond recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee. The focus is on effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.
• Patients struggling with pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard can find dedicated and compassionate support from Claudine. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.

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

Claudine practices at the CISSS de l'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation en déficience physique La RessourSe, situated in the Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighborhood of Gatineau. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Federal Government Buildings (Place du Portage) and is accessible via Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiothérapeute would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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, which is known as direct access. However, it is important to check with your private insurance provider, as some plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. While you can see a Physiothérapeute without a referral, having one might still be beneficial for certain insurance claims or specific conditions. Always verify your insurance coverage before your appointment.

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 La RessourSe 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 necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not available, we will provide you with an official receipt to submit to your insurer.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

It’s helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. Wearing comfortable clothing that allows easy movement during the assessment is also recommended. If you have private insurance, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private outpatient physiotherapy is usually not included. Always verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute holds a university master’s degree in physiotherapy, enabling them to perform assessments, diagnose, and develop treatment plans independently. They are authorized to perform certain restricted activities, such as spinal manipulations, if they hold specific attestations. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has 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 create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

CISSS de l'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation en déficience physique La RessourSe
135, Boulevard Saint-Raymond
Gatineau, QC J8Y 6M3

Phone: (819) 777-6269

Claudine Pageau 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.