Marie-Christine Gourde

Marie-Christine Gourde 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

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.

Tmj Headache

• Migraines (Supportive Musculoskeletal Care): Addressing neck tension, muscle tightness, postural issues, or TMJ problems that may be associated with your migraine patterns, potentially reducing their frequency, intensity, or duration.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction / TMD: Restoring normal function and reducing pain in your temporomandibular joint and associated structures through targeted physiotherapy interventions.

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

• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Improving daily function, energy levels, and reducing pain sensitivity for individuals with fibromyalgia through a carefully progressed and individualized physiotherapy plan.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: A holistic and active approach to managing long-standing pain, empowering you with tools and knowledge for better daily living, increased activity tolerance, and improved mood.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Marie-Christine. 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 Ergo Physio des Appalaches - Saint-Lambert, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marie-Christine frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run has made walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness seem like a distant memory, Marie-Christine's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Tired of post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery interfering with performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease? Marie-Christine uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being and regain your freedom of movement.
• Many find that that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away significantly impacts their ability to resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely. Marie-Christine helps patients target building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Marie-Christine practices at Ergo Physio des Appalaches - Saint-Lambert, situated in a modern clinic conveniently located in the heart of the Saint-Lambert-de-Lauzon neighborhood. This private facility is centrally positioned within the community, making it easy for patients to access nearby local services and pharmacies. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring convenient transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiothérapeute uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiothérapeute to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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 services in private clinics are typically not covered by RAMQ; patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some services received directly within hospitals or CLSCs may be covered, depending on specific eligibility criteria. It’s advisable to verify your coverage with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for potential reimbursement options.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally access physiotherapy services directly without a physician’s referral, an option known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy details before your appointment to ensure coverage.

Ergo Physio des Appalaches - Saint-Lambert
1255, Rue du Pont, # 101
Saint-Lambert-de-Lauzon, QC G0S 2W0

Phone: (418) 205-3746 | Website: https://www.ergophysiodesappalaches.com/

Marie-Christine Gourde 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.