Michelle Louise Bourgault – Physiotherapist | Orleans, ON

Michelle Louise Bourgault is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Sante Montfort Health in Orleans, ON, Michelle Bourgault is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Michelle Bourgault's focus is addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Michelle Bourgault serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Michelle Louise Bourgault completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2017). With extensive clinical experience, Michelle Bourgault is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Michelle Bourgault has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Michelle Bourgault empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Michelle Bourgault employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Michelle Bourgault works collaboratively with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Michelle Bourgault offers consultations in English, French.

Michelle Louise Bourgault provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Michelle Bourgault can assess your needs.

• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Michelle Bourgault, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At Sante Montfort Health, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Michelle Bourgault frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends without the constant burden of an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak. Michelle Bourgault focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica? Michelle Bourgault works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions). This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.
• It's truly rewarding for Michelle Bourgault to witness patients conquer trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain and experience decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture again.
• At Michelle Bourgault's physiotherapy practice, individuals with recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) are guided towards better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache.

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

Michelle Bourgault's practice is located at Sante Montfort Health, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Orleans neighborhood of Orleans, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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 Physiotherapist 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.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most of the population. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for coverage of services at private clinics.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

Is there parking available at or near Sante Montfort Health?

Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby. Please check signage for details.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral (direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your appointment.

Sante Montfort Health
5-1968 Portobello Blvd.
Orleans, ON, K4A 4E7

Phone: (613) 837-0188

Michelle Louise Bourgault is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX73

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=cfaf5e6a-1032-e811-8142-480fcff44541

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.