About
Rachel Houde is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Action Sport Physio (Laval) in Laval, QC, Rachel is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes a performance-oriented and athletic-focused methodology, aiming to optimize movement, strength, and functionality for active individuals. Rachel’s role involves addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic conditions like arthritis, ensuring her patients regain their strength and resilience.
With a strong foundation in physiotherapy, Rachel Houde completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices to deliver the best care possible. Rachel’s expertise and interest particularly lie in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, where she applies advanced manual therapy techniques, therapeutic modalities, and tailored exercise programs to help her patients achieve their athletic and functional goals.
Rachel adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to develop personalized treatment plans that focus on empowering them through education and practical strategies. Her goal is to enable patients to participate actively in their recovery, whether returning to sport, work, or daily activities. Rachel is fluent in French, ensuring clear communication and comfort for her French-speaking patients.
Rachel Houde 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): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
- Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
Post Surgical
- Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.
- Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.
Hand Wrist
- Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
- 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.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Rachel can assess your needs.
- 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.
- Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
- Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
- Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Rachel. 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 Action Sport Physio (Laval), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Rachel frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- It's truly rewarding for Rachel to witness patients conquer trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and experience a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play again.
- The journey to sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort when faced with persistent my child walking on their toes most of the time is made smoother and more effective with Rachel's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.
- Are you finding that feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort stops you from enjoying standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event? Rachel is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Rachel, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Rachel practices at Action Sport Physio in Laval, located in the Chomedey West neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Station de la Concorde (Metro/exo) and easily accessible via Société de transport de Laval (STL). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?
- Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiothérapeute would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.
- What are Action Sport Physio (Laval)'s operating hours?
- Action Sport Physio (Laval) is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (450) 686-1717 or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.
- 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 through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. Always verify your coverage with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many offer substantial physiotherapy benefits.
- What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at Action Sport Physio (Laval) treat?
- Rachel treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues such as back and neck pain, shoulder and knee injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, sports injuries, and nerve pain. Her treatments often involve manual therapy, electrotherapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.
- What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?
- During your initial visit, Rachel will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including discussing your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. A physical examination will follow to identify the root cause of your condition. She will then explain her findings, collaborate with you to set realistic goals, and develop a customized treatment plan. You may receive initial advice, exercises, or hands-on modalities to start your recovery.
- What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Technologue en physiothérapie in Quebec?
- A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma and assists in implementing treatment plans designed by physiotherapists, focusing on treatment delivery, modalities, and patient progress reporting.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiothérapeute in QC?
- In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute without a referral (direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a physician's referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to ensure coverage.
Action Sport Physio (Laval)
1695, Boulevard Laval, bureau 300
Laval, QC H7S 2M2
Phone: (450) 975-8533
Rachel Houde 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.