Gabriel Genest – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Gabriel Genest is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at the CISSS de l'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation en déficience physique La RessourSe in Gatineau, QC. Committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, Gabriel adheres strictly to the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). His approach emphasizes a comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique needs, ensuring effective recovery and improved quality of life.

Gabriel's physiotherapy practice encompasses addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and post-operative rehabilitation. He also specializes in assisting individuals recovering from neurological events like stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson’s Disease, helping them regain mobility, manage symptoms, and achieve their personal health goals. His work serves patients of all ages, from infants and young children to adults and seniors, fostering long-term wellness and functional independence.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Gabriel completed his degree in Physiotherapy and has cultivated expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. His practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care, empowering patients through education, and applying evidence-based practices to ensure the best outcomes. Gabriel is fluent in both English and French, facilitating clear communication and comprehensive care for a diverse patient population.

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

Common Msk

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Addressing the physical consequences of nerve damage in the limbs through targeted exercises (e.g., for balance, strength, desensitization), sensory re-education, and advice on appropriate footwear or assistive devices.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Alleviating symptoms and improving function for individuals with entrapped nerves through conservative physiotherapy management, helping to avoid more invasive interventions.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.

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

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Comprehensive physiotherapy programs designed to maximize quality of life and functional abilities for individuals with conditions like stroke (CVA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, traumatic or acquired brain injury (TBI/ABI), or incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.

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

• For those whose my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking has made performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching your back seem like a distant memory, Gabriel's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching your back with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• When pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing returning to a specific physical hobby you had to give up due to pain, physiotherapy with Gabriel can help you work towards experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Are you finding that feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be stops you from enjoying getting on and off the floor with ease? Gabriel is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Gabriel 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 easily accessible via the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT system. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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, an option known as "direct access." However, while a referral is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your specific insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

Does CISSS de l'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation en déficience physique La RessourSe offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, our clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate this process. If direct billing is not available for your plan, we will provide detailed official receipts that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. Always confirm your coverage specifics, including any limits or deductibles, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary. You remain responsible for any remaining costs not covered by your insurance.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It’s difficult to determine the exact number of sessions needed without a thorough assessment. Some conditions resolve quickly within a few visits, while others, particularly chronic or complex issues, may require longer treatment periods. Gabriel will provide an estimated treatment plan after your initial assessment, which will be adjusted as your recovery progresses.

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 and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans. They can also perform certain restricted activities if certified. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or independently plan treatment. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ in Quebec. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Some coverage may be available through public programs for specific populations, such as post-hospitalization or low-income seniors, but most outpatient physiotherapy remains a private service. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and confirm coverage details with your private insurer, as plans and eligibility criteria vary.

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

Phone: (819) 777-6269

Gabriel Genest 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.