Nathalie Toulouse – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Nathalie Toulouse is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Vestibular & Balance Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ in Québec, QC, Nathalie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her expertise lies in offering specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. Nathalie’s approach aims to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and minimize fall risk, helping individuals regain confidence in their movement and daily activities.

Serving primarily adult patients, Nathalie assists individuals in recovering function, enhancing mobility, managing symptoms, and improving their quality of life after neurological events such as strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson’s Disease. Her clinical focus is on facilitating optimal recovery and enabling her patients to return to active, independent lifestyles. She tailors each intervention to meet the unique needs of her clients, ensuring a supportive and effective rehabilitation process.

With a solid educational foundation, Nathalie Toulouse completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience. She is deeply committed to ongoing professional development, continually updating her skills through evidence-based practices. Nathalie has developed a particular interest in Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation and Neurological Physiotherapy, allowing her to provide cutting-edge care for complex balance and neurological conditions. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a collaborative, empowering approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Nathalie is fluent in French, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for her community.

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

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): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

Peripheral Nerve

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Management of symptoms such as pain (neuropathic pain), numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness, typically in the hands or feet, resulting from damage to peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).

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

• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Helping seniors regain their physical capacity, reduce dependency, and improve their ability to manage at home safely and effectively.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Specialized physiotherapy programs focused on addressing the unique physical needs of older adults, aiming to improve mobility, strength, balance, flexibility, manage age-related conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia), and reduce the risk of falls.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Effective therapy for various inner ear and balance disorders, including BPPV, vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis, unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction, Meniere's disease (symptom management), and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD).

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 Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ, 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:

• Patients often come to Nathalie feeling defeated by feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings and resuming dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Nathalie can help you move beyond that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity. The focus is on decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as going on birdwatching outings in various terrains.
• Are you finding that managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease stops you from enjoying participating in community events and social gatherings more actively? Nathalie is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Nathalie practices at the Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ, situated in a central Québec neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easily accessible for patients. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring ease of access for those relying on public transportation. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Québec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to begin physiotherapy, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm their specific requirements.

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

In general, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ. Limited coverage may be available through specific programs for certain low-income seniors or after hospital discharge, but most outpatient physiotherapy in private clinics is paid out-of-pocket or reimbursed via private insurance. It is recommended to verify your individual eligibility and coverage with RAMQ and your insurance plan.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are an essential part of your rehabilitation process. Nathalie will carefully select and teach you exercises tailored to your needs, empowering you to continue your progress outside of sessions. These exercises help reinforce treatment gains, manage your condition effectively, and promote long-term wellness.

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 and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, and develop treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Does Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, IRDPQ offers direct billing for most major private insurers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and Blue Cross. Please bring your insurance card and policy details. If direct billing is not available for your plan, Nathalie will provide official receipts for you to submit for reimbursement. It is recommended to verify your specific coverage and any applicable limits directly with your insurer.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at IRDPQ treat?

Nathalie treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and balance-related conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis, sports injuries, nerve pain, vestibular and balance disorders, and neurological conditions like stroke or Parkinson’s disease. Her focus is on helping patients regain function, reduce pain, and improve overall quality of life.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

The initial assessment usually lasts about 60 minutes, including a detailed evaluation and treatment plan. Follow-up sessions generally range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your specific needs and treatment plan.

Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ
525, Boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel
Québec, QC G1M 2S8

Phone: (418) 529-9141

Nathalie Toulouse 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.