Nadia Verbanac – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Nadia Verbanac is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CISSS de l'Outaouais 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). Nadia's approach focuses on delivering 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 overall quality of life. She believes in empowering her patients through education, enabling them to actively participate in their recovery journey and achieve lasting results.

Nadia completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience, which she continually enhances through ongoing professional development and staying current with evidence-based practices. Her dedication to lifelong learning ensures that her patients benefit from the latest and most effective physiotherapy techniques. Nadia's compassionate nature and attentive listening skills create a supportive environment where patients feel valued and understood, fostering trust and collaboration throughout their rehabilitation process.

Her philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies. Nadia adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in treatment planning and goal setting to tailor interventions that best suit their unique needs. She is fluent in French and English, allowing her to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations and provide culturally sensitive care.

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

Common Msk

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

Sports Injury

• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Dull or aching pain in the front or inner part of the shin that can become sharp with activity, often felt during or after exercise.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): A common cause of lateral knee pain in athletes, often linked to training errors, muscle imbalances (e.g., weak hip abductors), or poor biomechanics, which physiotherapy aims to address.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Common athletic injuries affecting major muscle groups such as the hamstrings, calves, groin (adductors), quadriceps, or rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder.

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

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• 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.

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

• Physiotherapy with Nadia can be a transformative turning point for those affected by knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run. The shared goal is achieving achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach, paving the way for you to enjoy managing your personal care routines independently and a more active, vibrant life.
• Patients struggling with experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy can find dedicated and compassionate support from Nadia. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.
• For those whose feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems has made resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely seem like a distant memory, Nadia's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Nadia's practice is situated at the CISSS de l'Outaouais, located in the Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighborhood of Gatineau. This Long COVID-19 clinic (public institution) facility is conveniently positioned near the Hôpital de Gatineau and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiothérapeute will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiothérapeute will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

Is there parking available at or near CISSS de l'Outaouais?

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

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It’s advisable to verify your coverage with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for reimbursement options.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute 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’s recommended to check your insurance policy before your first visit.

Does CISSS de l'Outaouais offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CISSS de l'Outaouais offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate the process. If not available, we provide official receipts that you can submit for reimbursement. Always verify your coverage and any applicable limits directly with your insurer, as plans vary.

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 and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, create treatment plans, and perform certain restricted activities with specific attestations. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level diploma and works under supervision, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or create treatment plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

CISSS de l'Outaouais
490, Boulevard Saint-Joseph, #149
Gatineau, QC J8Y 3Y7

Phone: (819) 208-1886

Nadia Verbanac 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.