Rosie Croteau – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Rosie Croteau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Physio Familiale | Family Physio in Gatineau, QC, Rosie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. With a focus on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, Rosie provides comprehensive assessments and personalized treatment plans that promote healing and restore function. Her approach emphasizes education, empowerment, and active participation, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel valued and confident in their recovery journey.

Rosie's expertise extends to managing both acute injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures, as well as chronic conditions like arthritis and persistent pain. She specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, helping athletes of all levels—from recreational enthusiasts to competitive athletes—return to their sport safely, improve performance, and prevent future injuries. Her dedication to ongoing professional development ensures that her practices are grounded in the latest evidence-based techniques, offering her patients the best possible care tailored to their unique needs.

Rosie is fluent in both French and English, allowing her to serve a diverse community with clear communication and compassionate care. Her practice philosophy centers on a patient-centered, collaborative approach—working closely with individuals to set realistic goals, develop effective strategies, and achieve lasting results. Rosie’s warm and community-focused attitude fosters a welcoming environment where patients feel supported and motivated throughout their rehabilitation process.

Rosie Croteau 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): 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.

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): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Orthopedic Bracing & Support Consultation/Fitting: Expert guidance on the appropriate selection, use, and care of braces and supports for various musculoskeletal conditions affecting the knee, ankle, wrist, back, or other joints.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches? Rosie develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. This is key to helping you get back to doing maintaining your balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• If awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) is preventing you from fully enjoying playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain, Rosie offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• For those whose my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night has made safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace seem like a distant memory, Rosie's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Rosie's practice is located at Physio Familiale | Family Physio in the Aylmer Sector West neighborhood of Gatineau. The clinic is conveniently situated near Hôpital de Gatineau and is easily accessible via Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT system. The facility is designed to accommodate all patients comfortably, with wheelchair accessibility and a welcoming environment. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby, making it easy for you to focus on your recovery without added stress.

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 usually pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance for coverage. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private extended health insurance plans, as many offer substantial physiotherapy coverage in private clinics.

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, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, diagnose, and develop treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments, assisting physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, helping patients with exercises, and reporting progress.

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

It is helpful to bring your health card, referral letters if applicable, relevant medical test reports or images, and your private insurance details for billing. Wearing comfortable attire that allows for movement during the assessment is recommended.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services through direct access, meaning no referral is required to see a Physiothérapeute. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is best to check with your insurer before your appointment.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some treatments may cause temporary discomfort or soreness, physiotherapy should not be excessively painful. Rosie will always tailor treatments to your comfort level and communicate throughout the session to ensure a safe and effective experience.

Physio Familiale | Family Physio
745, Chemin d'Aylmer, Bureau 204
Gatineau, QC J9H 0B8

Phone: (819) 486-1186

Rosie Croteau 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.