Gabrielle Savard – Physiotherapist | Jonquière, QC

Gabrielle Savard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CIUSSS de Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean in Jonquière, QC. She 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). Gabrielle’s approach involves thoroughly assessing each individual's unique needs and developing personalized treatment plans designed to promote recovery, restore function, and enhance overall well-being. Her focus encompasses a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring comprehensive care for her patients.

Gabrielle’s role as a Physiothérapeute involves addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. Her expertise includes managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain conditions, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. She serves adults and seniors, tailoring interventions to support their specific health goals and improve their quality of life. Gabrielle emphasizes a collaborative approach, actively involving her patients in their treatment planning to foster empowerment and optimal recovery outcomes.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Gabrielle has cultivated specialized skills in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. She believes in evidence-based practices and continuously updates her knowledge to incorporate the latest advancements in physiotherapy. Fluent in both French and English, Gabrielle ensures clear communication with her diverse patient population, fostering a respectful and supportive environment for healing and wellness.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.

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 CIUSSS de Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, 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:

• Gabrielle believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older is hindering your ability to resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely, a personalized plan focusing on less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function can make all the difference.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort and achieved a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life under the skilled care of Gabrielle. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness with a new lease on life.
• Many individuals seek help from Gabrielle, their physiotherapist, when loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like going on birdwatching outings in various terrains.

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

Gabrielle practices at the CIUSSS de Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, situated in a modern clinic located in the central Jonquière neighborhood of Jonquière. This public healthcare facility offers accessible, comprehensive services close to local community resources and pharmacies. Easily reachable via multiple public transit routes, the clinic ensures convenient access for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance plans. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered under certain conditions. Patients should verify their eligibility directly with RAMQ and check their private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It is difficult to determine the exact number of sessions required without a thorough assessment. Some conditions resolve in just a few visits, while others may need longer-term care. Gabrielle will provide an estimated treatment plan after your initial assessment, which will be adjusted as needed during your course of treatment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your initial appointment usually lasts around one hour, allowing for a comprehensive assessment and goal setting. Follow-up visits typically range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs. Gabrielle will advise on the appropriate duration for each session.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Technologue en physiothérapie in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree and is authorized to assess, diagnose, and establish treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie, with a college diploma, works under supervision, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but cannot diagnose or create treatment plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a referral, known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a physician's referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first visit to confirm their requirements.

CIUSSS de Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
2230, Rue de l'hôpital
Jonquière, QC G7X 7X2

Phone: (418) 275-0110

Gabrielle Savard 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.