Helene Plourde – Physiotherapist | Gaspé, QC

Helene Plourde is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at the CISSS de la Gaspésie - Centre de réadaptation in Gaspé, QC, Helene 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). Her approach emphasizes a performance-oriented and athletic-focused methodology, helping individuals recover strength, mobility, and confidence after neurological events or conditions.

Helene's role involves assisting adults and seniors in regaining function, improving movement, managing symptoms, and enhancing overall quality of life following neurological challenges such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. She employs evidence-based practices tailored to each patient’s unique needs, combining manual therapy, targeted exercises, and education to optimize outcomes and facilitate active participation in their rehabilitation journey.

With a solid educational background and extensive clinical experience, Helene continually advances her skills through ongoing professional development. Her particular interest in neurological physiotherapy enables her to stay current with innovative treatment approaches, ensuring her patients benefit from the latest techniques. Helene is fluent in French and values a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to set realistic goals and empower them with practical self-management strategies for lasting success.

Helene Plourde 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.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo that is highly treatable with specific physiotherapy maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver, designed to reposition the displaced inner ear crystals.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy management of acute and persistent symptoms of a concussion, including addressing associated neck pain/dysfunction (cervicogenic component), vestibular (balance/dizziness) issues, oculomotor (eye movement) problems, and exertional intolerance.

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

• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• 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.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.

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

• For those whose difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain has made walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness seem like a distant memory, Helene's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Patients often come to Helene feeling defeated by feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort and resuming playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Patients struggling with knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run can find dedicated and compassionate support from Helene. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as playing fetch with your dog in the park for an extended time.

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

Helene practices at the CISSS de la Gaspésie - Centre de réadaptation, located in a central Gaspé neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near local community services and pharmacies, making access straightforward for patients. The clinic is easily reachable via local public transit routes, ensuring that patients can attend their appointments with minimal hassle. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 for reimbursement. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if specific criteria are met. It is important for patients to verify their eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult their private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer substantial coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures with additional qualifications. Conversely, a Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They assist physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, helping patients with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress to the supervising professional.

Is there parking available at or near CISSS de la Gaspésie - Centre de réadaptation?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for designated patient spots. Additional street parking is generally available nearby, and a paid public parkade may be located within a short walking distance. Always check local signage for restrictions and time limits.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. It is recommended to contact your insurer before your first appointment to understand your specific coverage, including your annual maximum, co-payments, and whether a doctor's referral is needed. Our clinic can often bill your insurer directly if your plan allows, which simplifies the payment process. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify the requirements of your insurance plan before your first visit.

CISSS de la Gaspésie - Centre de réadaptation
150, Rue Mgr Ross, Aile 550 C.P. 6320
Gaspé, QC G4X 2R8

Phone: (418) 368-2306

Helene Plourde 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.