Marie-Valerie Provost – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Marie-Valerie Provost is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CSSS DE GATINEAU (HOPITAL DE HULL) in Gatineau, QC, Marie-Valerie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life following neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Additionally, Marie-Valerie provides care for managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, including COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Her approach involves breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, tailored exercise prescription, and patient education, serving adults and seniors with compassion and expertise.

With a background rooted in comprehensive physiotherapy education, Marie-Valerie completed her degree in Physiotherapy. Her clinical experience and ongoing professional development have allowed her to develop particular interest and skills in Neurological Physiotherapy and Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy. She is dedicated to evidence-based practices, ensuring her patients receive effective and personalized treatments aimed at optimizing their recovery and long-term wellness.

Marie-Valerie’s practice philosophy emphasizes promoting preventative care and long-term health benefits for her community through proactive physiotherapy. She believes in empowering her patients by providing clear education about their conditions and self-management strategies to achieve lasting results. Her patient-centered approach actively involves individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, Marie-Valerie strives to create a welcoming environment where all patients feel valued and supported on their health journey.

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

Peripheral Nerve

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Addressing the physical consequences of nerve damage in the limbs through targeted exercises (e.g., for balance, strength, desensitization), sensory re-education, and advice on appropriate footwear or assistive devices.

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Gentle and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation following spinal surgery (e.g., for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spinal fusion), initiated once cleared by your surgeon, to improve mobility, core strength, posture, reduce pain, and safely return to daily activities.

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.

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

• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Targeted exercises and strategies designed by your Physiotherapist to improve your stability, coordination, lower limb strength, and body awareness (proprioception), thereby reducing your risk of falls, particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with balance impairments.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy management for individuals experiencing persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection (Long COVID), such as profound fatigue, breathlessness (dyspnea), muscle weakness, joint pain, 'brained fog' (cognitive difficulties), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) symptoms, and exercise intolerance.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Marie-Valerie. 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 CSSS DE GATINEAU (HOPITAL DE HULL), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marie-Valerie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Marie-Valerie's help, managing needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity to achieve achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like walking your children to school or the park.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Marie-Valerie's clinic, common concerns like that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved performance in work-related physical demands. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like cycling longer distances with your cycling club.
• Rediscover your ability to spend hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain without the constant burden of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain. Marie-Valerie focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Marie-Valerie practices at CSSS DE GATINEAU (HOPITAL DE HULL), situated in the Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighborhood of Gatineau. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near La Cité Collégiale and is easily accessible via Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT system. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiothérapeute will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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).

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

Is there parking available at or near CSSS DE GATINEAU (HOPITAL DE HULL)?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

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

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care received within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CSSS DE GATINEAU (HOPITAL DE HULL) treat?

Our Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, nerve pain, and conditions related to neurological events like stroke or Parkinson's Disease. Treatments often involve Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs, Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription, manual therapy, and patient education to help you reach your functional goals.

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 (known as direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy details before your first appointment.

CSSS DE GATINEAU (HOPITAL DE HULL)
116, Boulevard Lionel-Émond
Gatineau, QC J8Y 1W7

Phone: (819) 966-6047

Marie-Valerie Provost 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.