Isabelle Duguay – Physiotherapist | Gaspé, QC

Isabelle Duguay is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CISSS de la Gaspésie (Hôpital de Gaspé) in Gaspé, 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). With a compassionate approach, Isabelle focuses on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional conditions, aiming to help her patients recover, regain mobility, and improve their overall quality of life.

Her role involves working closely with adults and seniors, employing evidence-based physiotherapy techniques to assist individuals in managing acute injuries, chronic pain, and post-operative rehabilitation. Isabelle's holistic approach encompasses managing symptoms related to arthritis, tendinopathies, nerve impingements, and neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries. Her goal is to empower each patient through individualized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and life circumstances.

Educated in Physiotherapy with ongoing professional development, Isabelle has developed expertise in orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and neurological physiotherapy. She is passionate about integrating the latest research and therapeutic strategies into her practice. Fluent in French, Isabelle values clear communication and works collaboratively with her patients to set realistic goals, promote long-term wellness, and foster a supportive healing environment.

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

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

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): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.

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

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• 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.
• 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.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Baseline concussion testing (if offered by the clinic/practitioner) and evidence-based post-injury management to ensure a safe and effective recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Isabelle. 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 (Hôpital de Gaspé), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Isabelle frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems and achieved moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years under the skilled care of Isabelle. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips with a new lease on life.
• With Isabelle's help, managing managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease to achieve learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.
• For those whose difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain has made running your usual 5k route without knee pain seem like a distant memory, Isabelle's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to running your usual 5k route without knee pain with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Isabelle practices at the CISSS de la Gaspésie (Hôpital de Gaspé), situated in a central Gaspé neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care. The hospital is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

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.

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 through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if it meets certain criteria. Most outpatient physiotherapy in private clinics is not covered by RAMQ for the general population. It is advisable to verify your specific eligibility directly with RAMQ and review your private insurance plans for coverage options.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy to confirm specific requirements before your appointment.

How can I book an appointment at CISSS de la Gaspésie (Hôpital de Gaspé)?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (418) 368-3301 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website at https://www.cisss-gaspesie.gouv.qc.ca/. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

CISSS de la Gaspésie (Hôpital de Gaspé)
215, Boulevard de York W
Gaspé, QC G4X 2W2

Phone: (418) 368-3301 | Website: https://www.cisss-gaspesie.gouv.qc.ca/

Isabelle Duguay 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.