Laurence Desgagnés-Gagné – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Laurence Desgagnés-Gagné is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Kinatex Beauport in Québec, QC. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Laurence’s approach emphasizes comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Her goal is to promote optimal recovery, functional independence, and long-term wellness for her diverse clientele.

Laurence’s scope of practice encompasses addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and developmental conditions. She specializes in managing issues involving muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments, including acute injuries such as sprains and strains, chronic pain, arthritis, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Additionally, Laurence provides specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents, focusing on developmental delays, congenital conditions like torticollis, orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and strategies to enhance motor development and participation. Her multidisciplinary approach ensures holistic care for patients across all age groups.

With a background in evidence-based physiotherapy practices, Laurence continually updates her skills through ongoing professional development. She has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Pediatric Physiotherapy, allowing her to offer comprehensive treatment options. Laurence is fluent in both French and English, enabling her to effectively communicate and build rapport with a diverse patient population in Québec.

Laurence Desgagnés-Gagné provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• 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.

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): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

Pediatric

• Congenital Muscular Torticollis / Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome): Physiotherapy treatment for infant neck tightness (torticollis) and associated flat head syndrome, involving gentle stretching exercises, specific handling and positioning advice for parents/caregivers, and strategies to encourage symmetrical movement.
• Pediatric Sports Injuries & Growing Pains (e.g., Osgood-Schlatter, Sever's Disease): Physiotherapy rehabilitation tailored for the unique needs of children and adolescents involved in sports, focusing on safe recovery, pain management, correcting biomechanics, and facilitating a gradual return to play while minimizing risk of re-injury.

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

• Gait Analysis & Running/Walking Re-training: Expert analysis of your gait with personalized corrective strategies, exercises, and cues to optimize your walking or running form for pain-free movement and enhanced performance or efficiency.
• Congenital Muscular Torticollis & Plagiocephaly (Flat Head) Treatment: Early intervention physiotherapy crucial for correcting infant neck posture, promoting symmetrical head and neck movement, and improving head shape, often preventing the need for helmet therapy or more invasive measures.
• 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.
• Sports Performance Enhancement & Injury Prevention: Strategies and training programs to fine-tune your physical capabilities, improve sport-specific skills, and ensure you are well-prepared for the demands of your sport.
• Pediatric Physiotherapy (Infants, Children & Adolescents): Specialized physiotherapy assessment and treatment for a wide range of conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents, including developmental delays (e.g., not meeting motor milestones), congenital muscular torticollis, plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome), orthopedic conditions (e.g., fractures, growing pains, sports injuries like Osgood-Schlatter or Sever's disease), and some neurological issues.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Specialized and progressive physiotherapy care for athletes of all levels, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, sport-specific exercise, and safe, timely return-to-sport protocols.

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

• Rediscover your ability to shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back without the constant burden of hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side. Laurence focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Don't let my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night dictate what you can and cannot do. Laurence offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction, helping you reclaim doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain and enjoy a more functional life.
• The path to recovery from trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury and achieving a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience for resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely often starts with expert guidance. Laurence, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Laurence practices at Kinatex Beauport, situated in a centrally located clinic in the Québec neighborhood of Québec. The facility is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is well-connected to public transit routes, allowing for accessible transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 Physiothérapeute will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

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.

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

In Québec, patients can typically access physiotherapy directly through a process known as "direct access," without the need for a physician's referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your appointment.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make physiotherapy diagnoses, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments, assisting with implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, and reporting progress under supervision.

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 Québec. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received within public health services, such as hospitals or CLSCs, may be covered under specific conditions. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many provide coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Kinatex Beauport
1352, Boulevard des Chutes, Suite 204
Québec, QC G1C 0M5

Phone: (418) 660-0525

Laurence Desgagnés-Gagné 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.