Stéphane Chambers – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Stéphane Chambers is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CISSS de L'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation La Ressource in Gatineau, QC, Stéphane is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. With a specialized focus on neurological rehabilitation, Stéphane assists individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life following neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. His approach also encompasses a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions, including acute injuries like sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation, serving adults and seniors with tailored therapeutic interventions.
Stéphane has completed his degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated extensive clinical experience. He is dedicated to continuous professional development, emphasizing evidence-based practices to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Stéphane has developed particular expertise in neurological physiotherapy and orthopaedic and musculoskeletal care, allowing him to address complex cases requiring specialized assessment and treatment strategies. His ongoing commitment to learning keeps him at the forefront of advances in physiotherapy, ensuring that his patients benefit from the latest techniques and interventions.
Guided by a philosophy of evidence-based practice and lifelong learning, Stéphane prioritizes patient empowerment through clear education about conditions and practical self-management strategies. His goal is to foster a collaborative therapeutic relationship, enabling patients to actively participate in their recovery process. Stéphane is fluent in French and English, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population and ensuring that language barriers do not hinder access to quality care.

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

Peripheral Nerve

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Symptoms such as localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by mechanical compression or irritation of peripheral nerves at specific anatomical sites (entrapment points).
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Addressing the physical consequences of nerve damage in the limbs through targeted exercises (e.g., for balance, strength, desensitization), sensory re-education, and advice on appropriate footwear or assistive devices.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Difficulty maintaining stability during standing, walking, or changing positions, which may be due to various factors including age-related changes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal weakness, sensory impairments, or medication side effects, often leading to an increased risk of falls.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.

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

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Specialized therapeutic interventions provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to assist individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, balance, coordination, strength, and independence following a neurological event or diagnosis.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Stéphane. 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 CISSS de L'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation La Ressource, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Stéphane frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life when faced with persistent an awkward gait or limping when I walk is made smoother and more effective with Stéphane's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.
• Many find that shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult significantly impacts their ability to playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids. Stéphane helps patients target decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• If trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain is preventing you from fully enjoying sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort, Stéphane offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Stéphane practices at the CISSS de L'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation La Ressource, situated in the Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighborhood of Gatineau. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Terminus de la Cité and is accessible via the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT system. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiothérapeute to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

How can I book an appointment at CISSS de L'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation La Ressource?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (819) 777-6269 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website at www.laressource.gouv.qc.ca. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiothérapeute as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. If you receive care within a public hospital or CLSC, coverage may vary depending on eligibility criteria. It is recommended to verify your specific coverage with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for details about reimbursement.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

CISSS de L'Outaouais - Centre de réadaptation La Ressource
135, Boulevard Saint-Raymond
Gatineau, QC J8Y 6X7

Phone: (819) 777-6269

Stéphane Chambers 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.