Gabrielle Lavoie – Physiotherapist | Lévis, QC

Gabrielle Lavoie is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CISSS Chaudière-Appalaches in Lévis, QC, Gabrielle is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Her approach emphasizes personalized care, ensuring that each patient receives tailored interventions aimed at optimal recovery and long-term wellness.

Gabrielle completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated extensive clinical experience, which she continuously enhances through ongoing professional development and adherence to evidence-based practices. Her expertise spans various musculoskeletal conditions, and she is well-versed in the latest therapeutic techniques to support her patients' rehabilitation goals. Her commitment to excellence ensures that every individual benefits from safe, effective, and scientifically supported physiotherapy interventions.

Her practice philosophy centers on a patient-centered, collaborative approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Gabrielle promotes preventative care and long-term wellness initiatives tailored to the Lévis community. She is fluent in French, facilitating clear and effective communication with her diverse patient base.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.

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.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

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

• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.

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 Chaudière-Appalaches, 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:

• With Gabrielle's help, managing soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise to achieve experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like peacefully paddling your kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Gabrielle's clinic, common concerns like general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.
• It's truly rewarding for Gabrielle to witness patients conquer feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move and experience feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings again.

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

Gabrielle practices at the CISSS Chaudière-Appalaches facility in Lévis, situated in the Saint-Romuald, Saint-Jean-Chrysostome West neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Cégep de Lévis-Lauzon and is easily accessible via Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 our 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.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiothérapeute will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

What is CISSS Chaudière-Appalaches's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to a set amount or percentage may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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 might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private extended health insurance plan for coverage details.

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, a process known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the requirements of your insurance policy before your appointment.

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

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master’s degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, create treatment plans, and implement therapeutic interventions independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but not diagnosing or independently creating treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To ensure a productive first visit, please bring your health card, any relevant medical reports or imaging results, a list of current medications, your insurance details for direct billing, and any referral letters if applicable. Wearing comfortable clothing is recommended to facilitate assessment and treatment.

CISSS Chaudière-Appalaches
975, Rue de la Concorde, # 120
Lévis, QC G6W 8A7

Phone: (418) 356-3393

Gabrielle Lavoie 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.