About
Julie Gravel is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at Physiothérapie St-François in Waterloo, QC, Julie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). With a focus on assisting patients in their recovery and ongoing wellness, Julie plays a vital role in implementing treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians. She guides patients through therapeutic exercises, applies various treatment modalities, and monitors progress to support optimal functional improvement. Her approach emphasizes individualized care tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring safe and effective rehabilitation for adults and seniors alike.
Julie’s role extends beyond mere treatment delivery; she is an advocate for evidence-based practice and continuous professional development. Her clinical experience has allowed her to develop expertise in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring. She actively keeps up with the latest advancements in physiotherapy to enhance her skills and provide the highest standard of care. Her dedication to ongoing learning and patient education underpins her commitment to helping clients achieve their health and wellness goals with confidence and clarity.
With a strong philosophy rooted in preventative care and long-term wellness, Julie empowers her patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies. She believes in fostering a collaborative environment where patients feel supported and informed throughout their rehabilitation journey. Julie is fluent in English and French, enabling her to communicate effectively with a diverse range of patients within the Waterloo community.
Julie Gravel 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.
- 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.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Julie can assess your needs.
- 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.
- Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
- Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
- Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
- 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.
- 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.
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 Physiothérapie St-François, 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:
- When persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports, physiotherapy with Julie can help you work towards a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
- At Julie's physiotherapy practice, individuals with that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away are guided towards feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.
- Patients often come to Julie feeling defeated by feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors and resuming tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Julie, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Julie practices at Physiothérapie St-François, a reputable physiotherapy clinic situated in Waterloo, QC. The clinic is conveniently located near the David Johnston Research + Technology Park, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors in the Waterloo neighborhood. The facility is well-equipped to serve the needs of adults and seniors, offering a welcoming environment for rehabilitation and wellness services. It is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT), including bus and ION light rail services, ensuring convenient transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?
- Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapy Technologist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.
- 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, a process known as direct access. However, while a doctor's referral is not legally required to see a Physiotherapy Technologist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment.
- Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?
- Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapy Technologist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.
- How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?
- You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapy Technologist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.
- 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.
- How can I book an appointment at Physiothérapie St-François?
- You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (450) 920-1920 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.
- 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 usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care received within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy is typically not included. It is strongly recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for coverage details.
Physiothérapie St-François
5381, Rue Foster
Waterloo, QC J0E 2N0
Phone: (450) 920-1920
Julie Gravel 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.