Gabrielle Darveau – Physiotherapist | Sept-Îles, QC

Gabrielle Darveau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CISSS de la Côte-Nord in Sept-Îles, 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 approaches each patient with empathy and support, tailoring treatment plans that promote independence and confidence in daily activities.

Gabrielle completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated significant clinical experience, fostering a deep understanding of evidence-based physiotherapy practices. She has developed particular expertise and a strong interest in neurological physiotherapy, continually advancing her skills through ongoing professional development. Her commitment to lifelong learning ensures that her patients benefit from the latest therapeutic techniques and interventions designed to optimize recovery and well-being.

Her practice philosophy emphasizes promoting preventative care and long-term wellness within the Sept-Îles community through proactive physiotherapy. Gabrielle advocates for a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. She is fluent in French and English, enabling her to communicate effectively and compassionately with diverse patients, ensuring a supportive and empowering healthcare experience.

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

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

Common Msk

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• 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.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.

Neurological

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Tailored rehabilitation programs focusing on restoring physical abilities, managing secondary complications, and improving quality of life for individuals post-TBI or ABI.
• 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.

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

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Helping you stay steady on your feet and maintain your independence through targeted balance and coordination exercises, and practical fall prevention education.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.

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 CISSS de la Côte-Nord, 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:

• Many individuals seek help from Gabrielle, their physiotherapist, when recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve enhanced ability to participate in social and community events, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like getting back to your regular, consistent gym workouts.
• Don't let pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies dictate what you can and cannot do. Gabrielle offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments, helping you reclaim pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty and enjoy a more functional life.
• Patients often come to Gabrielle feeling defeated by frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function and resuming swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation 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 CISSS de la Côte-Nord, situated in a central clinic in the Sept-Îles neighborhood of Sept-Îles, QC. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care as part of their routine health management. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring that those without private transportation can reach their appointments comfortably. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiothérapeute will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

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 Gabrielle's clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows 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 is not possible, 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, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria, but outpatient private physiotherapy is usually not included. It’s advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance policies for coverage options.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, Gabrielle will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including discussing your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. A physical assessment will follow to identify the cause of your condition and assess your physical capabilities. She will then explain her findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a tailored plan of care. You may receive initial exercises, advice, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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, a process known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans might require a referral for reimbursement. It’s recommended to check your individual insurance policy to confirm whether a referral is necessary for coverage.

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

A Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master’s degree and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans independently. They can also perform certain restricted activities with attestations. 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 establish treatment plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

CISSS de la Côte-Nord
450, Avenue Évangéline
Sept-Îles, QC G4R 2N5

Phone: (418) 968-2470

Gabrielle Darveau 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.