Nathalie Lacas – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Nathalie Lacas is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at NATHALIE LACAS,PHYSIOTHERAPEUTE in Gatineau, QC, Nathalie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her approach emphasizes performance optimization and injury prevention, ensuring her patients achieve their best in athletic and daily activities.

Nathalie's focus is on 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. She specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, tailoring her care to help athletes of all levels—from recreational enthusiasts to elite competitors—return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Nathalie also serves patients of all ages, from infants and young children through to adults and seniors, supporting their movement and functional goals.

With a solid educational foundation and clinical experience, Nathalie completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Sports Physiotherapy. She is committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring her practice remains current with evidence-based techniques. Nathalie's practice philosophy is rooted in a collaborative approach, empowering patients through education and practical strategies for lasting results. She is fluent in English and French, facilitating clear communication and personalized care for her diverse patient community.

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

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

Common Msk

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.

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

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• 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.
• Therapeutic & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid): Utilizing different taping methods, chosen by your therapist based on your specific needs, to assist with pain relief, support injured areas, reduce swelling, or improve proprioceptive feedback.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Nathalie to witness patients conquer a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck and experience enhanced ability to participate in social and community events. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in getting back to golfing 18 holes without your back acting up again.
• Tired of recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) interfering with playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain? Nathalie uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain and regain your freedom of movement.
• Many find that trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts their ability to spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain. Nathalie helps patients target feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Nathalie practice at NATHALIE LACAS,PHYSIOTHERAPEUTE, situated in the Aylmer Sector Central neighborhood of Gatineau. This private home care and services facility is conveniently located near the Maison de la culture 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.

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 typically pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance for coverage. However, care received within a hospital or CLSC setting may be covered under certain conditions. It is advisable to verify your specific eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your extended health insurance plans, as many offer substantial physiotherapy coverage for private services.

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, a process known as direct access. Nevertheless, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy details before your first appointment.

Is there parking available at or near NATHALIE LACAS,PHYSIOTHERAPEUTE?

Yes, 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 also generally available on nearby streets, and a paid public parkade is located one block east of our clinic. Please check local signage for any restrictions or time limits.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

If you experience significant or sharp pain, new neurological symptoms, or if soreness persists beyond 48 hours, contact Nathalie or your healthcare provider promptly. It’s important to assess whether your condition requires further evaluation or adjustment to your treatment plan.

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, diagnose conditions, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and supports physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress to the supervising professional.

NATHALIE LACAS,PHYSIOTHERAPEUTE
123, Rue des Parulines
Gatineau, QC J9A 1Y9

Phone: (819) 968-8678 | Website: www.torticoliscongenital.com

Nathalie Lacas 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.