Elisabeth Coutu – Physiotherapist | Laval, QC

Elisabeth Coutu is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CISSS de Laval (CLSC du Marigot) in Laval, 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). Elisabeth’s approach emphasizes a thorough assessment and tailored treatment plans to help each patient regain optimal mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall function. Her focus extends across a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions, including injuries to muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Whether addressing acute injuries like sprains and strains or managing chronic issues such as arthritis or post-surgical rehabilitation, Elisabeth strives to facilitate safe and effective recovery for her patients.
In addition to her expertise in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, Elisabeth offers specialized services for infants, children, and adolescents. She works with young patients experiencing developmental delays, congenital conditions such as torticollis, orthopedic injuries, and neurological challenges. Her pediatric physiotherapy practice aims to promote healthy development, motor skills, and participation in daily activities, ensuring a supportive environment for her youngest patients. Elisabeth’s holistic approach emphasizes early intervention and family education to foster long-term well-being and active lifestyles.
Elisabeth completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained diverse clinical experience, which she continuously enhances through ongoing professional development. Her interests include Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Pediatric Physiotherapy, allowing her to provide comprehensive care tailored to her patients’ unique needs. Elisabeth is dedicated to evidence-based practice, collaborating closely with her patients to set realistic goals and develop personalized treatment strategies. She believes in empowering her patients through education, preventative care, and promoting long-term wellness. Elisabeth is fluent in English and French, enabling her to serve a diverse community effectively.

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

Neurological

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with MS stay active, manage symptoms effectively, maintain independence for as long as possible, and adapt to changes in their condition.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy addressing physical impairments following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or acquired brain injury (ABI), including issues with balance, coordination, strength, mobility, spasticity, endurance, and cognitive-physical integration.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Specialized physiotherapy exercises and movement strategies (e.g., LSVT BIG® principles, amplitude-based training, cueing techniques) to improve balance, gait (walking), posture, flexibility, coordination, and overall motor function in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Congenital Muscular Torticollis & Plagiocephaly (Flat Head) Treatment: Gentle stretching exercises, specific handling and positioning advice, and parent/caregiver education provided by a Physiotherapist for infants with congenital muscular torticollis (neck tightness causing a head tilt/turn preference) and associated plagiocephaly or brachycephaly (asymmetrical or flattened head shape).
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Pediatric Physiotherapy (Infants, Children & Adolescents): Expert physiotherapy care for a wide range of pediatric physical challenges, promoting healthy movement and lifelong activity.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Evidence-based neurological rehabilitation focused on harnessing neuroplasticity, motor learning principles, and task-specific training to help regain lost skills and adapt to new ways of moving.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Elisabeth. 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 Laval (CLSC du Marigot), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Elisabeth frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Elisabeth feeling defeated by difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines and resuming maintaining an upright posture while working on your computer for hours becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• If clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk is preventing you from fully enjoying actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back, Elisabeth offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• The journey to improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community when faced with persistent that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away is made smoother and more effective with Elisabeth's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing.

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

Elisabeth practices at the CISSS de Laval (CLSC du Marigot), situated in the Laval-des-Rapides neighborhood of Laval. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Place Bell (Arena/Theatre) and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Laval (STL). The clinic offers a welcoming environment for all patients, with a focus on accessibility and comfort. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiothérapeute will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

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

Patients in Quebec 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 doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider regarding their specific requirements before your appointment.

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 within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered under certain circumstances. It is advisable to verify your specific coverage directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance for additional benefits.

What is CISSS de Laval (CLSC du Marigot)'s appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost or a set amount like $XX may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

CISSS de Laval (CLSC du Marigot)
250, Boulevard Cartier O
Laval, QC H7N 5S5

Phone: (450) 668-1804

Elisabeth Coutu 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.