Émilie Bouchard – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Émilie Bouchard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CISSS de l'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation en déficience physique La RessourSe in Gatineau, QC, Émilie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing their quality of life following neurological events such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Émilie also supports patients with acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, including COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, and post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery. Her approach encompasses breathing exercises, airway clearance, tailored exercise prescription, and patient education, aiming to empower her patients to regain independence and confidence in their daily activities. She primarily serves adults and seniors, offering personalized care that respects each patient's unique needs and goals.

Émilie completed her degree in Physiotherapy with a focus on neurological and cardiovascular rehabilitation. Her clinical experience has deepened her understanding of complex neurological and respiratory conditions, and she remains committed to ongoing professional development. Émilie has developed particular expertise in neurological physiotherapy, helping patients manage symptoms such as spasticity, weakness, and ataxia, while her interest in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy allows her to address issues like breathing difficulties and airway management effectively. Her evidence-based approach ensures that every treatment plan is tailored to her patients' specific conditions and long-term wellness objectives.

Her practice philosophy is rooted in a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous learning. Émilie advocates for preventative care and strives to promote long-term wellness within the Gatineau community through proactive physiotherapy interventions. She believes in fostering a warm, supportive environment where patients feel valued and motivated throughout their rehabilitation journey. Émilie is fluent in French and English, enabling her to connect effectively with a diverse range of patients and their families, ensuring clear communication and compassionate care.

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

Common Msk

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.

Neurological

• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation for facial nerve disorders to help restore facial expression, improve function (e.g., eating, speaking, eye closure), and enhance overall facial appearance and confidence.
• 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.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Movement therapy designed by a Neuro Physiotherapist to address common Parkinson's symptoms like bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity (stiffness), postural instability (balance problems), freezing of gait, and tremors.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Physiotherapy aimed at maintaining optimal function, managing contractures (joint stiffness), optimizing mobility (including prescription of mobility aids), adapting activities, and managing respiratory function (if applicable) for individuals with progressive muscle weakness due to muscular dystrophy or other myopathies.

Cardioresp

• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Supportive physiotherapy care focusing on individually prescribed and monitored graded exercise, education on lifestyle changes, and strategies to manage symptoms and improve confidence post-heart event.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): Physiotherapy as a core component of pulmonary rehabilitation programs for COPD, including supervised exercise training (aerobic and strength), breathing techniques (e.g., pursed-lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing), airway clearance techniques (if mucus is an issue), and education to help manage COPD symptoms, improve exercise tolerance, and enhance quality of life.
• Post-Pneumonia / Respiratory Infection Recovery: Physiotherapy to aid your recovery from serious respiratory illnesses and their lingering effects on your breathing and overall physical capacity.

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

• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Émilie. 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. Émilie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Living with awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) doesn't have to be your norm. Émilie applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of peacefully paddling your kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• Don't let swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment dictate what you can and cannot do. Émilie offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at enhanced ability to participate in social and community events, helping you reclaim using garden tools effectively and without pain and enjoy a more functional life.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run and achieved being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury under the skilled care of Émilie. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing with a new lease on life.

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

Émilie's practice is located 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 positioned near the Maison de la culture de Gatineau and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 it, 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 isn't available, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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. Certain physiotherapy services provided directly within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if specific criteria are met, but outpatient private physiotherapy remains largely self-funded. For residents, it is advisable to verify eligibility for any public coverage directly with RAMQ and to check their private/extended health insurance plans, which often offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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

It’s common to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after physiotherapy, especially when starting new exercises. Usually, this subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness, or if soreness persists longer than expected, contact Émilie or your healthcare provider immediately. They can advise on necessary adjustments or reassessment to ensure your safety and optimal recovery.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a key role in injury prevention and managing recurrent pain. Émilie can identify underlying risk factors like muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, or postural issues. Through targeted exercises, education on proper mechanics, and activity modifications, physiotherapy can reduce your risk of initial injury, re-injury, and help manage chronic conditions, keeping you active and healthy.

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

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying treatments and guiding exercises without diagnosing or establishing plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a referral, known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm any requirements.

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

Phone: (819) 777-6269

Émilie Bouchard 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.