Marie-Line Gouge – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Marie-Line Gouge is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Cégep Garneau in Québec, QC, Marie-Line is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her practice emphasizes a comprehensive approach to neurological rehabilitation, helping individuals recover function, improve mobility, and manage symptoms following neurological events or conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Marie-Line's expertise extends to providing specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents, addressing developmental delays, congenital conditions like torticollis, and promoting optimal motor development and participation in daily activities.

With a solid foundation in physiotherapy, Marie-Line completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that fuels her ongoing commitment to professional development. She actively integrates evidence-based practices into her treatments, with particular interests in neurological and pediatric physiotherapy. Her approach is rooted in empowering patients through education and tailored interventions, ensuring that each individual receives personalized care aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes.

Marie-Line's practice philosophy centers on empowering her patients through clear communication about their conditions and practical strategies for long-term management. She is dedicated to ongoing learning and adopting the latest evidence-based techniques to enhance her care. Fluent in French, Marie-Line ensures effective communication with her diverse patient population, fostering a supportive environment for recovery and wellness.

Marie-Line Gouge provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Pediatric

• Pediatric Sports Injuries & Growing Pains (e.g., Osgood-Schlatter, Sever's Disease): Managing growth-related pain conditions (often termed 'growing pains' by parents, or specific apophysitis like Osgood-Schlatter/Sever's) and activity-induced injuries in young athletes through appropriate advice, load management, and therapeutic exercise.
• Toe Walking (Idiopathic / Habitual): Addressing habitual toe walking in children when other neurological or orthopedic causes have been ruled out by a medical professional.
• Developmental Delays (Gross Motor Skills): When children are not meeting age-appropriate gross motor milestones such as rolling over, sitting independently, crawling, pulling to stand, or walking within the expected timeframes.
• Congenital Muscular Torticollis / Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome): Early physiotherapy intervention for torticollis and plagiocephaly to promote symmetrical head and neck movement, improve range of motion, prevent long-term complications (like facial asymmetry or developmental issues), and optimize head shape.

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• 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.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.

Developmental

• Coordination Challenges / Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) - Supportive Physiotherapy: Enhancing motor competence, body awareness, and confidence in children with coordination issues through fun and engaging physiotherapy activities tailored to their specific challenges and goals.

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

• Congenital Muscular Torticollis & Plagiocephaly (Flat Head) Treatment: Comprehensive guidance for parents on managing torticollis and plagiocephaly at home, including tummy time strategies, environmental adaptations, and therapeutic play.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• 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.
• Pediatric Physiotherapy (Infants, Children & Adolescents): Play-based therapy and age-appropriate exercises designed by a Pediatric Physiotherapist to help children achieve their optimal physical potential, improve motor skills, coordination, strength, balance, and participation in daily activities, school, and play.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.

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

• Are you finding that difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain stops you from enjoying standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event? Marie-Line is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Struggling with the frustration of experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy? Marie-Line develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care. This is key to helping you get back to doing walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Patients often come to Marie-Line feeling defeated by recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines and resuming travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Marie-Line practices at Cégep Garneau, situated in a central Québec neighborhood in Québec. The clinic is housed within a modern Maison d'enseignement (public educational institution), conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The facility is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for all visitors. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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?

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider regarding their specific requirements before your first appointment.

What is Cégep Garneau's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or no-shows without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your 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 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.

Is there parking available at or near Cégep Garneau?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Additional street parking is generally available on nearby streets, and a paid public parkade is located just one block east of the clinic. Please check local signage for restrictions and time limits.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care received within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for coverage details.

Cégep Garneau
1660, Boulevard de l'Entente
Québec, QC G1S 4S3

Phone: (418) 575-3834

Marie-Line Gouge 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.