Julie Gagner – Physiotherapy Technologist | Saint-Laurent, QC

Julie Gagner is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CISSS du Nord de Montréal - Centre d'Hébergement St-Laurent in Saint-Laurent, QC, Julie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She plays a vital role in assisting with the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various modalities to support recovery and enhance functional mobility. Julie’s approach emphasizes personalized care, especially for senior patients, ensuring they regain strength, mobility, and independence through tailored physiotherapy interventions.

With a solid foundation in physiotherapy techniques and ongoing professional development, Julie has cultivated skills in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring. Her clinical experience has deepened her understanding of musculoskeletal conditions, injury rehabilitation, and the specific needs of her patient demographic. Julie’s commitment to evidence-based practices ensures that each patient receives effective, safe, and contemporary physiotherapy care designed to meet their individual health goals.

Julie believes in a collaborative, educational approach that empowers patients to participate actively in their recovery and ongoing wellness. She advocates for preventative care and promotes long-term health through proactive physiotherapy strategies. Fluent in both English and French, Julie is able to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population, fostering a supportive environment for healing and improvement.

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

Common Msk

• 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.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.

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

• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Julie. 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 du Nord de Montréal - Centre d'Hébergement St-Laurent, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Julie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away and achieved getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care under the skilled care of Julie. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing with a new lease on life.
• Julie believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees is hindering your ability to using garden tools effectively and without pain, a personalized plan focusing on a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery can make all the difference.
• Many individuals seek help from Julie, their physiotherapist, when feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes.

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

Julie practices at the CISSS du Nord de Montréal - Centre d'Hébergement St-Laurent, situated in a modern clinic located in the heart of the Saint-Laurent neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated within the central area, offering easy access for patients from the local community. It is close to various community services and pharmacies, making it a practical choice for ongoing care. The clinic is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free commute. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapy Technologist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

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 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.

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

RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy is typically not. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage options.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiotherapy Technologist 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 before your appointment to confirm any requirements.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This varies depending on your condition and recovery goals. After an initial assessment, Julie will be able to provide an estimated number of sessions needed and the recommended frequency. She believes in open communication and will regularly review your progress to adjust your treatment plan as necessary to help you reach your wellness objectives.

CISSS du Nord de Montréal - Centre d'Hébergement St-Laurent
1275, Boulevard de la Côte-Vertu
Saint-Laurent, QC H4L 4V2

Phone: (514) 748-6400

Julie Gagner 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.