Gabrielle Carrier-Noreau – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Gabrielle Carrier-Noreau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CHU de Québec in Québec, QC, Gabrielle is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Gabrielle also provides specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents to address developmental delays, congenital conditions like torticollis, orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and to promote optimal motor function and participation. Her patient-centered approach emphasizes tailored treatment plans that consider each person's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment for recovery and wellness.

Gabrielle completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that fuels her commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. She has developed particular expertise in Neurological Physiotherapy and Pediatric Physiotherapy, continuously updating her skills to incorporate the latest advancements and research in these fields. Her dedication to excellence is reflected in her comprehensive understanding of complex neurological conditions and her ability to implement effective interventions that improve patient outcomes.

Practicing in a bilingual environment, Gabrielle believes in empowering her patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies that support long-term wellness. She advocates for preventative care and promotes proactive physiotherapy to enhance overall community health. Gabrielle is fluent in English and French, ensuring she can effectively communicate and connect with a diverse range of patients in Québec.

Gabrielle Carrier-Noreau provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.

Sports Injury

• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): An overuse injury affecting the lower leg, common in athletes, dancers, and military recruits, characterized by diffuse pain along the tibia.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): An overuse injury resulting from repetitive friction of the IT band over the lateral femoral epicondyle (at the knee) or greater trochanter (at the hip).

Pediatric

• Congenital Muscular Torticollis / Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome): A condition often present at or shortly after birth, where a baby's neck muscle (typically the sternocleidomastoid) is tight or shortened, causing the head to tilt to one side and rotate to the opposite side. Often associated with plagiocephaly (asymmetrical head shape or 'flat head syndrome') due to preferential head positioning.
• Developmental Delays (Gross Motor Skills): Physiotherapy support and intervention for infants and children with delayed physical development to help them achieve their motor potential through play-based activities and targeted exercises.
• Toe Walking (Idiopathic / Habitual): Persistent walking on the toes or balls of the feet in young children, without a known underlying medical or neurological cause (idiopathic toe walking), often developing as a habit after initially learning to walk.

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

• 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).
• Pediatric Physiotherapy (Infants, Children & Adolescents): Working collaboratively with children and their families/caregivers to set meaningful goals, provide education and home programs, and optimize physical development and functional independence.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Baseline concussion testing (if offered by the clinic/practitioner) and evidence-based post-injury management to ensure a safe and effective recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Receiving personalized physiotherapy care online through secure and interactive video sessions with your qualified Physiotherapist, including real-time exercise correction and tailored advice.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Gabrielle. 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 CHU de Québec, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Gabrielle frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden is preventing you from fully enjoying being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children, Gabrielle offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• The journey to getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity when faced with persistent my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night is made smoother and more effective with Gabrielle's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Gabrielle can help you move beyond recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID). The focus is on improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids.

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

Gabrielle practices at CHU de Québec, situated in a central Québec neighborhood, within a dedicated clinic space that is easily accessible for patients. The facility is part of the public healthcare system and is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is well-connected by local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

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.

Does CHU de Québec offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CHU de Québec offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate billing. If your insurer is not listed or if you have specific questions, please confirm with your provider. If direct billing is not available, Gabrielle will provide detailed official receipts that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. It is advisable to verify your coverage and any applicable limits directly with your insurer, as plans vary. The patient is responsible for any portion not covered by their insurance.

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).

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC (if meeting their criteria) might be covered, but private clinic physiotherapy is usually not. It's important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many extended health plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage in private settings.

How can I book an appointment at CHU de Québec?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (418) 525-4444 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

In Québec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services through direct access, meaning no referral from a physician is required to see a Physiothérapeute. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy details before your appointment to confirm any specific requirements.

CHU de Québec
11, Côte du Palais
Québec, QC G1R 2J6

Phone: (418) 525-4444

Gabrielle Carrier-Noreau 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.