About
Gabrielle Charbonneau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Clinique du PEPS (Université Laval) in Québec, QC. Gabrielle 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). With a compassionate approach, Gabrielle focuses on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. Her expertise includes managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain, arthritis, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Gabrielle’s goal is to support each patient in their recovery journey, restoring function, reducing pain, and improving overall well-being.
Gabrielle specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. She tailors her care to help athletes of all levels, from recreational enthusiasts to elite competitors, return safely to their sport, optimize their performance, and prevent future injuries. Her approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans that consider each patient's unique needs and lifestyle, ensuring a holistic path to health and mobility. Gabrielle serves children, adolescents, and adults, fostering a supportive environment that promotes healing and confidence.
With a solid educational foundation and extensive clinical experience, Gabrielle completed her degree in Physiotherapy and continuously updates her skills through ongoing professional development. She has developed particular interests in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Sports Physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Gabrielle is fluent in English and French, allowing her to communicate effectively with a diverse range of patients and ensure they feel heard and supported throughout their treatment process.
Gabrielle Charbonneau provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Post Surgical
- Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.
- Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.
- Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
- Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.
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.
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
- Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
Sports Injury
- IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee that often starts gradually and worsens with continued activity, sometimes radiating up the thigh or down the leg.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Pain felt around, under, or behind the kneecap (patella), often described as a dull ache that is aggravated by activities like running, jumping, squatting, using stairs (especially going down), or prolonged sitting with the knee bent.
- Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Stretching or tearing of ligaments (the strong, fibrous bands that connect bones to each other at joints) due to sudden force, twisting, overstretching, or impact. Common in sports involving jumping, cutting, pivoting, or collisions. Examples include ACL/MCL tears in the knee or common ankle sprains.
- 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.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Gabrielle can assess your needs.
- Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
- Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
- Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
- Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy to address persistent concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, and difficulty concentrating or tolerating activity.
- Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
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 Clinique du PEPS (Université Laval), 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:
- The journey to improved circulation and tissue healing when faced with persistent awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) is made smoother and more effective with Gabrielle's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like managing your personal care routines independently.
- Many patients have found lasting relief from shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult and achieved improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics under the skilled care of Gabrielle. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace with a new lease on life.
- Patients often come to Gabrielle feeling defeated by soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment and resuming cycling longer distances with your cycling club becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Gabrielle, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Gabrielle practices at Clinique du PEPS (Université Laval), situated in a central Québec neighborhood that offers convenient access for patients. The clinic is located within a modern private facility close to various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to incorporate their physiotherapy visits into their daily routines. Easily accessible via local public transit routes, the clinic prioritizes patient convenience and ease of access. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.
- How can I book an appointment at Clinique du PEPS (Université Laval)?
- You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (418) 656-5501 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website at https://cliniquedupeps.ulaval.ca/. 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 Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to start physiotherapy, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance provider before your first appointment.
- Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
- It’s difficult to say exactly how many sessions you’ll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's recovery journey is unique. Some conditions resolve in just a few sessions, while others may require longer-term care. Gabrielle will provide an estimated treatment plan after your initial visit, which will be revisited and adjusted as needed.
- Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- In general, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance plans. Certain public services or care within hospitals or CLSCs may be covered, but for private outpatient clinics, coverage is typically limited. It is recommended to verify your specific eligibility with RAMQ and review your private insurance plan for coverage details.
- What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Physiotherapy Technologist in Quebec?
- In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, create treatment plans, and perform certain restricted activities. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiothérapeute or physician, focusing on applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress without diagnosing or independently planning treatments. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).
Clinique du PEPS (Université Laval)
2300, Rue de la Terrasse, Local 1220
Québec, QC G1V 0A6
Phone: (418) 656-5501 | Website: https://cliniquedupeps.ulaval.ca/
Gabrielle Charbonneau 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.