Julie Touzin – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Julie Touzin is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CISSS de l'Outaouais (Hôpital de Gatineau) in Gatineau, 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). Her approach focuses on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and age-related conditions, ensuring each patient receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs. With a compassionate and community-focused mindset, Julie strives to empower her patients to regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life.

Julie’s role encompasses assessing and treating conditions affecting muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Her expertise includes managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic issues like arthritis and post-surgical rehabilitation. She places particular emphasis on the health and mobility of older adults, aiming to enhance balance, strength, and independence while reducing fall risk and managing age-related conditions like osteoporosis. Her goal is to support her patients in maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle at every stage of life.

With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Julie has cultivated a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, along with Geriatric Physiotherapy. She completed her degree in Physiotherapy with a focus on evidence-based practices and has gained valuable clinical experience in her field. Committed to lifelong learning, Julie continuously updates her skills to provide the most current and effective treatments for her patients. She works collaboratively with her patients, emphasizing education and self-management strategies to foster lasting health improvements.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

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.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.

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

• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Comprehensive assessment of your fall risk factors with individualized interventions, including balance exercises, strength training, gait re-training, and home safety advice to help you prevent falls.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• 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 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 (Hôpital 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:

• The path to recovery from wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night and achieving a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities for engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands often starts with expert guidance. Julie, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• With Julie's help, managing an awkward gait or limping when I walk to achieve understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like being able to carry your baby or toddler without straining your back or arms.
• It's truly rewarding for Julie to witness patients conquer recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches and experience increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children again.

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 (Hôpital de Gatineau), situated in the Gatineau Sector East (Pointe-Gatineau, Le Baron) neighborhood. This Clinique externe de centre hospitalier facility is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor in Hull, offering easy access for residents in the Gatineau area. The clinic is well-connected via public transportation, including the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) and the Rapibus BRT, making it simple for patients to reach their appointments. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Does CISSS de l'Outaouais (Hôpital de Gatineau) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CISSS de l'Outaouais offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate the process. If your insurer is not listed or if you have specific questions, our team can assist you in verifying coverage. Note that some plans may require pre-authorization or specific documentation, so it’s always good to confirm with your insurance provider before your appointment. Patients are responsible for any portion not covered by their insurance.

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).

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy in private clinics is generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance for these services. However, physiotherapy provided directly within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if patients meet specific eligibility criteria. It is important to verify your individual coverage with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan, as many extended health plans offer significant physiotherapy benefits for services in private clinics.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It is recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine and treat the relevant body areas. For example, shorts for knee issues, a sleeveless top for shoulder problems, or loose-fitting clothing that makes assessment and treatment more effective.

Is there parking available at or near CISSS de l'Outaouais (Hôpital de Gatineau)?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Additional street parking and paid parking options are also available nearby. Please check signage for restrictions and time limits.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Absolutely. Physiotherapy emphasizes not only treating current issues but also preventing future problems. A Physiothérapeute can assess your movement patterns, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances, and develop personalized exercises and strategies to help you stay injury-free and maintain long-term musculoskeletal health.

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, known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy beforehand. Regardless, Julie welcomes patients to seek care directly for assessment and treatment.

CISSS de l'Outaouais (Hôpital de Gatineau)
909, boul. de la Vérandrye Ouest
Gatineau, QC J8P 7H2

Phone: (819) 966-6100

Julie Touzin 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.