Julie Grandmaitre – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Julie Grandmaitre is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CISSS de L'Outaouais (CLSC de Gatineau) in Gatineau, QC, Julie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes evidence-based practices and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Julie's goal is to facilitate optimal recovery, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being through comprehensive physiotherapy interventions.

Julie's physiotherapy focus encompasses addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and post-operative rehabilitation. She also places particular importance on serving older adults, aiming to help them maintain and regain mobility, strength, and balance, while managing age-related conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Her holistic approach strives to reduce fall risk and promote independence, enabling her patients to enjoy a better quality of life.

With a strong foundation in clinical practice, Julie completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable experience in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, as well as geriatric physiotherapy. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development, ensuring her methods are current and effective. Julie's practice philosophy centers on collaboration and active patient involvement, working closely with individuals to achieve their movement and functional goals. She is fluent in English and French, facilitating clear communication and personalized care for a diverse patient population.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• 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.
• 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.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.

Vestibular Balance

• 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.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.

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

• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Convenient access to expert physiotherapy services from the comfort of your home, office, or any location with an internet connection, ideal for those with busy schedules, living in remote areas, or preferring virtual care.
• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.

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 de L'Outaouais (CLSC de Gatineau), 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:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist? Julie works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting.
• Are you finding that that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away stops you from enjoying running your usual 5k route without knee pain? Julie is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• At Julie's physiotherapy practice, individuals with pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard are guided towards improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.

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 de L'Outaouais (CLSC de Gatineau), situated in the Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighborhood of Gatineau. This public sector home support facility is conveniently located near the Canadian Museum of History and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT system. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiothérapeute would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ, and patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. However, care received within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if specific criteria are met. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private extended health insurance plans for coverage options.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. Nonetheless, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, relax muscles, and facilitate nerve movement. Common methods include joint glides, soft tissue massage, joint manipulations, and sustained pressures, all aimed at restoring optimal movement and function.

CISSS de L'Outaouais (CLSC de Gatineau)
104, Rue Lois
Gatineau, QC J8Y 3R7

Phone: (819) 966-6530

Julie Grandmaitre 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.