Marie-Celine St-Jacques – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Marie-Céline St-Jacques is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Lifemark Neurologic Physiotherapy in Ottawa, ON, Marie-Céline St-Jacques is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Marie-Céline St-Jacques's role focuses on 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. Marie-Céline St-Jacques serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Marie-Céline St-Jacques completed their degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2004). With extensive clinical experience, Marie-Céline St-Jacques is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Marie-Céline St-Jacques has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Marie-Céline St-Jacques empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Marie-Céline St-Jacques employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Marie-Céline St-Jacques offers consultations in English and French.

Marie-Celine St-Jacques provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• 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.
• 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: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.

Neurological

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy strategies to help manage common MS symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, spasticity, balance problems, walking difficulties, pain, and bladder dysfunction, aiming to maintain function, improve quality of life, and promote self-management.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Helping individuals with muscular dystrophies and myopathies adapt to changes in their physical abilities and maintain their participation in meaningful activities through tailored physiotherapy.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Helping individuals with Parkinson's Disease maintain mobility, functional independence, and safety, and improve their quality of movement and life.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Tailored rehabilitation programs focusing on restoring physical abilities, managing secondary complications, and improving quality of life for individuals post-TBI or ABI.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Marie-Céline St-Jacques can assess your needs.

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Customized exercise-based programs (e.g., gaze stabilization, habituation, balance retraining exercises) prescribed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist to reduce vestibular symptoms, improve functional balance, decrease fall risk, and enhance confidence in movement.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Specialized therapeutic interventions provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to assist individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, balance, coordination, strength, and independence following a neurological event or diagnosis.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Marie-Céline St-Jacques, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At Lifemark Neurologic Physiotherapy, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marie-Céline St-Jacques frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• At Marie-Céline St-Jacques's physiotherapy practice, individuals with managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease are guided towards improved performance in work-related physical demands. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Marie-Céline St-Jacques can help you move beyond my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night. The focus is on developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.
• With Marie-Céline St-Jacques's help, managing working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery to achieve feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like using garden tools effectively and without pain.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) and achieved successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines under the skilled care of Marie-Céline St-Jacques. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches with a new lease on life.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Marie-Céline St-Jacques, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Marie-Céline St-Jacques practices at Lifemark Neurologic Physiotherapy, located in the Alta Vista, Rideauview neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Westgate Shopping Centre and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Lifemark Neurologic Physiotherapy or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most of the population. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It is strongly recommended that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Lifemark Neurologic Physiotherapy
2255 Saint Laurent Boulevard, #120
Ottawa, ON, K1G 4K3

Phone: (613) 454-0121

Marie-Celine St-Jacques is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX03

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=8b69d5f1-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.