Julien Larivière – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Julien Larivière is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Résilience Santé in Gatineau, QC. Julien 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). His approach emphasizes a compassionate understanding of each individual's unique needs, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered and confident in their recovery journey.

Julien's physiotherapy practice encompasses addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, joint, and soft tissue conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. He also offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues, aiming to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and diminish fall risk. Julien serves children, adolescents, and adults, adapting his treatment strategies to suit all ages and activity levels.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Julien has developed skills and particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation. His ongoing professional development ensures that his patients benefit from the latest techniques and interventions, tailored to promote optimal recovery and long-term wellness. Julien's philosophy centers on empowering patients through education, practical self-management strategies, and active involvement in their treatment plans.

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

Common Msk

• 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.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• 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.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Julien 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.
• 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• 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.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach to help you navigate your recovery after a concussion, promoting symptom resolution and safe resumption of activities.

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

• Patients struggling with working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery can find dedicated and compassionate support from Julien. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved performance in work-related physical demands, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as maintaining an upright posture while working on your computer for hours.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Julien's clinic, common concerns like a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• When pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture, physiotherapy with Julien can help you work towards a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Julien practices at Résilience Santé, located in the Buckingham Sector neighborhood of Gatineau. The clinic is situated conveniently near the UQO (Université du Québec en Outaouais) Campus Alexandre-Taché, making it easily accessible for students, professionals, and residents alike. The facility is a private clinic designed to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for recovery and rehabilitation. Accessibility is a priority, with the clinic being wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors, ensuring a stress-free experience for all patients.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiothérapeute.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiothérapeute will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly through a process known as direct access, without needing a physician's referral. However, while a referral is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance provider before your appointment.

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 and is authorized to perform patient assessments, establish diagnoses, create and adapt treatment plans, and perform certain restricted activities such as spinal manipulations or needle-based therapies if certified. Conversely, a Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) has a college-level (CEGEP) diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress, but cannot diagnose or independently establish 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?

Generally, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ in Quebec. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance for these services. However, physiotherapy received in public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if it meets specific eligibility criteria. It is recommended to verify with RAMQ and your private insurer to understand your coverage options.

Résilience Santé
99, Rue Dollard
Gatineau, QC J8L 3E6

Phone: (819) 592-9212

Julien Larivière 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.