Dr. Aurélie Houle

As a Médecin spécialiste en médecine physique et réadaptation (Physiatre), Dr. Aurélie Houle addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Neurological Conditions

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Management & Rehabilitation: Maximizing functional independence and quality of life for patients with paraplegia or quadriplegia.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Treatment strategies to alleviate symptoms of neuropathy and improve nerve health where possible.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Non-operative treatment and rehabilitation for common sports injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, tendon injuries, and stress fractures.
• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Managing conditions caused by repetitive stress and overuse, such as tendinopathies, shin splints, or stress reactions.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Addressing various causes of back and neck discomfort through physiatric assessment and treatment.
• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Addressing soft tissue inflammation around joints to relieve pain and restore normal movement.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Houle, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Chronic Pain Management (Multimodal Approach): Comprehensive assessment and treatment of persistent pain conditions using a combination of therapies, including medication management, interventional procedures, physical therapy, and psychological support.
• Management of Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson's): Optimizing function and quality of life for patients with progressive or chronic neurological conditions through tailored therapies and adaptive strategies.
• Spasticity Management (e.g., Botulinum Toxin Injections): Utilizing botulinum toxin (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®) injections to reduce muscle spasticity and improve range of motion in conditions like stroke, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury.
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Specialized rehabilitation to help patients with spinal cord injuries achieve their maximum potential for independence.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Specialized therapies to address physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges following a stroke.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Houle. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Aurélie Houle adhere to the scope of practice for Médecin spécialiste en médecine physique et réadaptation (Physiatre)s in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At Institut de réadaptation Gingras Lindsay de Montré, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Houle frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Houle provides dedicated support for patients going through a sports injury that's keeping them off the field, always aiming for positive outcomes like better sleep quality due to reduced pain or discomfort, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as managing their personal errands and appointments independently.
• Dr. Houle often consults with patients whose not being able to lift their arm properly after a shoulder injury significantly limits their enjoyment of getting in and out of a chair or bed with greater ease or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve successfully adapting to using an assistive device or prosthesis and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Effectively addressing needing guidance on exercises that are safe and effective for their condition with Dr. Houle's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of improved hand dexterity for fine motor tasks, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in keeping up with friends or family during outings and social interactions.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Houle to see patients who were troubled by trouble with bladder or bowel control related to a neurological condition successfully achieve their chronic pain no longer dominating their life. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like using their prosthetic limb with skill and confidence.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Houle, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Houle is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Houle practices at the Institut de réadaptation Gingras Lindsay de Montré, centrally located in the Montréal neighborhood of Montréal. The clinic enjoys convenient proximity to local healthcare facilities and community services and is easily accessible via major local public transit routes. Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Houle treats?

Physiatrists like Dr. Houle treat a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Examples include the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. Dr. Houle's focus is always on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing the overall quality of life.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Houle do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Houle is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to improve functional ability, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life for individuals with physical impairments or disabilities from injury or illness. Treatment approaches are non-surgical and may include medication, therapeutic exercise, injections, and coordination of comprehensive rehabilitation plans with other healthcare professionals.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Houle covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Houle are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC, provided the patient has a valid health card and an appropriate referral (if required). However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain injections, assistive devices, comprehensive programs) may have additional fees. Patients should inquire with Institut de réadaptation Gingras Lindsay de Montré about potential costs and check their private insurance coverage for any adjunctive therapies or devices.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Houle?

In QC, a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is generally needed to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Houle for services covered by provincial health plans like RAMQ. This ensures appropriateness and provides Dr. Houle with necessary background information. Discuss your need for a physiatric assessment with your primary care physician.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Houle at Institut de réadaptation Gingras Lindsay de Montré?

Your first appointment with Dr. Houle will involve a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed discussion of your medical history, symptoms, their impact on daily life, and previous treatments. A thorough physical examination will follow, focusing on relevant systems. Prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Dr. Houle will then discuss diagnostic impressions, potential further investigations, and treatment/rehabilitation options, collaboratively establishing functional goals with you.

Institut de réadaptation Gingras Lindsay de Montré
6300 av de Darlington
Montréal, QC, H3S 2J4

Phone: (514) 340-2085

Dr. Aurélie Houle is a licensed Médecin spécialiste en médecine physique et réadaptation (Physiatre) in QC, regulated by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec).

License Number: 20913

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=20913

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Houle. Dr. Houle and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.