About
Éric Demers is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at MédiSport Physio in Gatineau, QC. Éric 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). His approach is grounded in empathy and support, ensuring that each patient feels heard, understood, and actively involved in their recovery journey. Éric’s role involves assessing, treating, and preventing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, addressing issues related to muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. From acute injuries like sprains and strains to managing chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation, Éric tailors his treatments to meet each patient’s unique needs and goals, helping them regain comfort, mobility, and confidence.
Éric specializes in the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, serving athletes of all levels—from recreational enthusiasts to elite competitors. His focus is on enabling athletes to return safely to their sport, optimize their performance, and prevent future injuries through evidence-based practices and personalized care plans. He also provides care for older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, ensuring a broad spectrum of patients receive comprehensive physiotherapy services. With a solid foundation in physiotherapy education and ongoing professional development, Éric continually updates his skills to incorporate the latest evidence-based techniques and modalities.
Éric’s practice philosophy emphasizes promoting preventative care and long-term wellness within the Gatineau community. He advocates for proactive physiotherapy to maintain optimal movement and function, combining this with a collaborative approach that involves working closely with patients to achieve their movement and lifestyle goals. Éric is fluent in both English and French, allowing him to effectively communicate and build trust with a diverse range of patients, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.
Éric Demers provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Joint Pain
- Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
- 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.
Sports Injury
- Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Common athletic injuries affecting major muscle groups such as the hamstrings, calves, groin (adductors), quadriceps, or rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder.
- Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.
Back & Neck Pain
- Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
- Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
- Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Éric can assess your needs.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
- Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
- Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
- Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
- Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Éric. 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 MédiSport Physio, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Éric frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Through personalized physiotherapy at Éric's clinic, common concerns like clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.
- At Éric's physiotherapy practice, individuals with recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery are guided towards a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache.
- Éric believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) is hindering your ability to shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back, a personalized plan focusing on feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day can make all the difference.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Éric, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Éric practices at MédiSport Physio, situated in the Gatineau Sector Central (Mont-Luc, Tecumseh) neighborhood of Gatineau. This private clinic facility is conveniently located near Les Galeries de Hull and is easily accessible via Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT. Whether you are coming from nearby areas or from within Gatineau, you will find the clinic easy to reach. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?
- It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.
- How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?
- Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiothérapeute has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.
- What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at MédiSport Physio treat?
- Éric treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries like rotator cuff tears or ACL reconstructions, and nerve pain such as sciatica. Many of his treatments involve modalities like Therapeutic Ultrasound Application and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation, alongside patient education tailored to help you reach your functional goals.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiothérapeute in QC?
- In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It's advisable to verify the requirements of your insurance provider before your appointment.
- What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?
- A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop comprehensive treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of treatments and works under the supervision of a Physiothérapeute or physician to assist with implementing care plans, guiding exercises, and applying modalities.
- Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by RAMQ in Quebec. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or utilize private insurance. However, certain services within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered depending on eligibility criteria. It is recommended to check with RAMQ and your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
MédiSport Physio
444, Boulevard de l'Hôpital, suite 130
Gatineau, QC J8T 7X6
Phone: (819) 775-4303
Éric Demers 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.