Nancy Cote – Physiotherapist | Maria, QC

Nancy Cote is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CR DE LA GASPESIE in Maria, QC, Nancy is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). With a compassionate approach, Nancy strives to help her patients regain independence, improve mobility, and enhance their overall quality of life through tailored physiotherapy interventions.

Specializing in neurological rehabilitation, Nancy assists individuals in recovering function, managing symptoms, and improving their stability after neurological events such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. She offers expert assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear issues or central vestibular system dysfunction. Nancy's goal is to reduce symptoms, improve balance, and minimize fall risk, providing support for patients of all ages—from infants and children to adults and seniors.

Nancy's approach combines evidence-based practices with a warm, community-focused philosophy. She emphasizes collaboration, patient education, and empowerment, working closely with each individual to develop personalized treatment plans. Nancy is fluent in English and French, ensuring clear communication and respectful care for her diverse patient population.

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

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo that is highly treatable with specific physiotherapy maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver, designed to reposition the displaced inner ear crystals.

Neurological

• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Utilizing evidence-based neuroplasticity principles, motor relearning techniques, and task-specific training to help stroke survivors improve movement and achieve their functional goals.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Helping individuals with spinal cord injuries achieve their highest level of physical potential through targeted exercises, functional training, equipment prescription, and compensatory strategies.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: A movement-based therapy approach, often guided by principles of motor learning and de-emphasis on presumed damage, to help individuals with FND regain voluntary control over their physical symptoms and improve confidence in their movements.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy management of acute and persistent symptoms of a concussion, including addressing associated neck pain/dysfunction (cervicogenic component), vestibular (balance/dizziness) issues, oculomotor (eye movement) problems, and exertional intolerance.

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

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.

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

• When trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations, physiotherapy with Nancy can help you work towards being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Patients struggling with that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity can find dedicated and compassionate support from Nancy. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved performance in work-related physical demands, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.
• Patients often come to Nancy feeling defeated by feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved circulation and tissue healing and resuming actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Nancy practices at CR DE LA GASPESIE, situated within a modern clinic in the central area of Maria. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care. The clinic is easily reachable via local public transit routes, ensuring that community members can attend their appointments without hassle. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CR DE LA GASPESIE treat?

Our Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (e.g., IT Band Syndrome), joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries like hip pain (e.g., Bursitis, muscle strains, labral issues—conservative management), and nerve pain. Nancy also has specialized skills in areas like neurological physiotherapy and vestibular and balance rehabilitation. Treatments often involve general reconditioning and fitness programs, core stability and strengthening training, manual therapy, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) and a Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) in Quebec?

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy and is an autonomous healthcare professional authorized to perform patient assessments, establish diagnoses, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions, including certain restricted activities if certified. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatment modalities, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress but does not diagnose or independently plan treatments. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To ensure a smooth first visit, please bring your health card, any relevant referral letters, results of imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, a list of medications, and your extended health benefits information if you wish to inquire about direct billing. Wearing comfortable clothes is also recommended.

What is CR DE LA GASPESIE's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand schedules can change unexpectedly. To accommodate all patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or no-shows without sufficient notice. Please contact the clinic as soon as possible if you need to make changes.

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 insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It's advisable to check your insurance policy beforehand.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment sessions usually last between 45-60 minutes to allow for a thorough evaluation. Follow-up treatments typically range from 30-45 minutes, depending on your needs and treatment plan.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Coverage may be available for physiotherapy received directly in hospitals or CLSCs under specific circumstances. Most outpatient physiotherapy in private clinics is paid out-of-pocket or reimbursed through private insurance. It is recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage details.

CR DE LA GASPESIE
491-A, Boulevard Perron O, C.P. 1189
Maria, QC G0C 1Y0

Phone: (418) 759-3333

Nancy Cote 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.