Marina Brousseau – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Marina Brousseau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CISSS de l'Outaouais (Hôpital de Gatineau) in Gatineau, QC, Marina is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Marina’s approach is empathetic and supportive, ensuring that each individual feels heard, informed, and actively involved in their recovery process.

Marina completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience, which she continually enhances through ongoing professional development and adherence to evidence-based practices. Her focus is not only on addressing current issues but also on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for her community. Her goal is to empower her patients with the knowledge and strategies necessary to maintain their health and mobility well beyond their appointments.

Fluent in both English and French, Marina’s practice philosophy revolves around fostering a collaborative, patient-centered environment. She actively involves her patients in treatment planning, setting realistic goals, and exploring practical self-management techniques. Her dedication to personalized care helps her build trust and achieve meaningful, lasting results for those she serves.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific 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.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Knee discomfort frequently experienced by runners, cyclists, and those involved in activities with repetitive knee bending, which physiotherapy can effectively manage through exercise and biomechanical correction.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue (periosteum) around the tibia, which requires rest, activity modification, and specific physiotherapy interventions for recovery.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Stretching or tearing of ligaments (the strong, fibrous bands that connect bones to each other at joints) due to sudden force, twisting, overstretching, or impact. Common in sports involving jumping, cutting, pivoting, or collisions. Examples include ACL/MCL tears in the knee or common ankle sprains.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Acute pain, swelling, bruising, localized tenderness, and weakness in a muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or throwing.

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

• 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: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Marina. 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 CISSS de l'Outaouais (Hôpital de Gatineau), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marina frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Marina's clinic, common concerns like an awkward gait or limping when I walk are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• At Marina's physiotherapy practice, individuals with soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise are guided towards the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as keeping up with your team during our weekly soccer match.
• Marina believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement is hindering your ability to being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house, a personalized plan focusing on enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation can make all the difference.

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

Marina practices at the CISSS de l'Outaouais (Hôpital de Gatineau), situated in the Gatineau Sector East (Pointe-Gatineau, Le Baron) neighborhood of Gatineau. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor of Gatineau and is easily accessible via Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT system. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiothérapeute will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

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

In Quebec, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some care within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private outpatient physiotherapy remains mostly patient-funded. It is advisable to verify your coverage directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for potential reimbursement.

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, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie, however, holds a college diploma (DEC) focusing on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They assist physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, helping patients with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to improving movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiothérapeute uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercises, manual therapy, and patient education to assess, diagnose, and treat injuries, pain, and physical impairments affecting muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and the cardiorespiratory system. It can reduce pain, increase mobility, aid recovery post-surgery, prevent injuries, and enhance quality of life.

Is there parking available at or near CISSS de l'Outaouais (Hôpital de Gatineau)?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for designated patient spots. Additional parking options include metered street parking on nearby streets or a paid public parkade located within walking distance of the clinic. Always check local signage for restrictions.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance requirements before your first visit.

CISSS de l'Outaouais (Hôpital de Gatineau)
909, boul. de la Vérandrye Ouest
Gatineau, QC J8P 7H2

Phone: (819) 966-6308

Marina Brousseau 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.