Marilou Bouhéret – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Marilou Bouhéret is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Clinique de physiothérapie de la Lièvre in Gatineau, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Marilou’s approach emphasizes thorough assessment and personalized treatment strategies to help patients recover, improve function, and maintain their health. Her practice involves addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring that each patient receives targeted interventions tailored to their specific needs.

Marilou’s physiotherapy focus encompasses conditions affecting muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. She offers specialized assessment and treatment for acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain management, arthritis care, and post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, Marilou has developed expertise in managing jaw pain (TMJ/TMD), orofacial pain, and various headaches with a musculoskeletal component, including cervicogenic, tension-type, and migraines. Her comprehensive approach aims to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life for adults and seniors alike.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Marilou has cultivated skills in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, along with TMJ, headache, and orofacial pain management. She believes in empowering her patients through education about their conditions and self-management strategies. Fluent in French and English, Marilou ensures clear communication and active involvement of her patients in their recovery process, fostering a collaborative environment for achieving optimal health outcomes.

Marilou Bouhéret provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Tmj Headache

• Cervicogenic Headaches: Addressing the neck component of your headaches through specific manual therapy techniques, exercises to improve neck mobility and strength, and postural correction.
• Tinnitus (Musculoskeletal/TMJ-Related): Investigating and treating potential musculoskeletal contributions to certain types of tinnitus, particularly if your tinnitus changes with neck or jaw movements, or if you have concurrent neck/jaw pain.
• Migraines (Supportive Musculoskeletal Care): Helping to identify and reduce potential musculoskeletal triggers for your migraines through targeted physiotherapy interventions and self-management strategies.
• Tension-Type Headaches: Managing and preventing tension-type headaches with physiotherapy, addressing the underlying musculoskeletal factors that contribute to their occurrence.

Common Msk

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• 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.

Hand Wrist

• 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.
• 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.

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

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.

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

• Many find that recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee significantly impacts their ability to travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations. Marilou helps patients target a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Physiotherapy with Marilou can be a transformative turning point for those affected by an awkward gait or limping when I walk. The shared goal is achieving a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery, paving the way for you to enjoy doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain and a more active, vibrant life.
• It's truly rewarding for Marilou to witness patients conquer swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment and experience improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain again.

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

Marilou practices at Clinique de physiothérapie de la Lièvre, situated in the Buckingham Sector neighborhood of Gatineau. This private clinic facility is conveniently located near Les Promenades Gatineau and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT. The clinic is wheelchair accessible, and free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby, making it easy for patients to access quality physiotherapy care with minimal hassle.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance provider before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a key role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiothérapeute can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. Addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modifications can significantly reduce your risk of initial injury, re-injury, and help manage chronic conditions effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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, allowing them to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures with additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They assist in implementing treatment plans, helping patients with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress to the supervising Physiothérapeute or physician.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used by a Physiothérapeute to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This includes joint mobilization, joint manipulation, soft tissue mobilization (such as massage or myofascial release), and neural mobilization. These techniques aim to reduce pain, improve joint and tissue mobility, restore proper biomechanics, and promote tissue healing.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Some coverage may be available if the care is received directly in a hospital or CLSC under specific circumstances. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and review your private insurance plans, as many offer substantial physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Clinique de physiothérapie de la Lièvre
728, Avenue de Buckingham
Gatineau, QC J8L 2H8

Phone: (819) 281-6313

Marilou Bouhéret 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.