Katherine Gingras – Physiotherapist | Trois-Rivières, QC

Katherine Gingras is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CIUSSS MCQ in Trois-Rivières, QC, Katherine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Katherine offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. Her goal is to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and decrease fall risk, helping her patients regain confidence and independence.
Katherine’s approach centers on delivering evidence-based physiotherapy tailored to each patient’s unique needs. She emphasizes a comprehensive, holistic assessment to identify underlying issues contributing to neurological impairments. Her treatment plans incorporate manual therapy, vestibular rehabilitation exercises, and functional strategies to optimize recovery. Katherine is particularly skilled at working with adults and seniors, fostering a supportive environment that encourages active participation and empowers patients to take control of their health. Her dedication to ongoing professional development ensures she remains current with the latest techniques and research in neurological rehabilitation.
With a strong commitment to promoting long-term wellness, Katherine adopts a collaborative and patient-centered philosophy. She actively involves her patients in goal setting and treatment planning, ensuring interventions are meaningful and relevant. Her focus on preventative care aims to maintain and improve her patients’ quality of life beyond immediate recovery. Katherine is fluent in French, facilitating clear communication and personalized care for her diverse patient community.

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

Common Msk

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• 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.

Neurological

• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises and techniques provided by a Physiotherapist to manage symptoms of facial palsy and support optimal recovery of facial muscle control.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy support for the physical challenges of Multiple Sclerosis, focusing on maximizing mobility, safety, and participation in daily life.

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.
• 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.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.

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

• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Helping older adults stay active, mobile, independent, and confident in their physical abilities through compassionate and evidence-based physiotherapy.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Comprehensive support for improving performance in activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, bathing, transferring, cooking) and rebuilding physical confidence and independence in older adults.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden? Katherine works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again.
• Are you finding that trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain stops you from enjoying playing your musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods? Katherine is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Patients often come to Katherine feeling defeated by needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency and resuming attending and enjoying your children's or grandchildren's sporting events becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Katherine practices at CIUSSS MCQ, located in the Cap-de-la-Madeleine Sector West neighborhood of Trois-Rivières. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near the Port of Trois-Rivières and is easily accessible via Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR). 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?

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.

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. However, while a referral isn't always legally required to begin physiotherapy, some private or extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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 within a day or two, please contact us. Your Physiothérapeute would want to know so they can provide guidance and adjust your care plan accordingly. Open communication is essential for your successful recovery.

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

Generally, RAMQ 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 reimbursed by RAMQ. Always verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a fundamental part of most physiotherapy treatments. Katherine will prescribe exercises tailored to your condition and goals, designed to complement in-clinic therapy, help manage symptoms, and promote long-term self-management. Active participation in your home program is vital for optimal recovery.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is ideal. Think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. For lower-body issues, shorts are helpful; for upper-body concerns, a tank top or loose t-shirt allows proper examination and treatment of the affected area.

CIUSSS MCQ
3450, Rue Sainte-Marguerite
Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 1X3

Phone: (819) 378-4083

Katherine Gingras 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.