Description
About Stephanie
Stephanie Gauthier is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Hôpital Marie-Clarac in Montréal-Nord, QC, Stephanie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She plays a vital role in helping individuals recover from injuries, manage pain, and restore optimal movement. With a focus on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, Stephanie offers personalized assessment and treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Her approach emphasizes education, active participation, and evidence-based interventions to empower her patients toward better health and mobility.
Stephanie's expertise extends to managing complex conditions such as dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. She works with adults and seniors, aiming to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and decrease fall risk. Her comprehensive care includes post-operative rehabilitation, chronic pain management, and strategies to enhance functional independence. Stephanie's compassionate approach ensures that each patient feels supported and confident throughout their recovery journey.
With a solid foundation in physiotherapy education and ongoing professional development, Stephanie has developed a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation. Her clinical experience is complemented by her commitment to staying current with the latest research and treatment techniques. Stephanie is fluent in English and French, facilitating clear communication and personalized care for her diverse patient population.
Common Conditions Stephanie Gauthier Addresses
Stephanie Gauthier provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
- Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
Hand Wrist
- Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.
- Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
Post Surgical
- Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
- Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.
- Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Stephanie can assess your needs.
Stephanie Gauthier's Physiotherapy Services
- Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for concussion recovery, including initial assessment of symptoms (headache, dizziness, etc.), management of associated neck pain or dysfunction, vestibular and oculomotor (eye movement) rehabilitation, and guided, gradual return-to-learn, work, and sport protocols.
- Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
- 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.
- Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Rehabilitation focused on reversing the effects of deconditioning, combating frailty, and restoring autonomy for seniors, enabling them to live more fully.
- 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.
- Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Addressing common concerns in seniors such as difficulty walking, fear of falling, joint pain and stiffness, and deconditioning, to improve their overall quality of life and ability to participate in meaningful activities.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Stephanie. 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).
Achieving Your Goals with Physiotherapy
At Hôpital Marie-Clarac, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Stephanie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- The path to recovery from general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden and achieving building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury for participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises often starts with expert guidance. Stephanie, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
- Stephanie believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) is hindering your ability to doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain, a personalized plan focusing on feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement can make all the difference.
- With Stephanie's help, managing that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder to achieve achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Stephanie, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Clinic Location & Accessibility
Stephanie practices at Hôpital Marie-Clarac, situated in a central Montréal-Nord neighborhood of Montréal-Nord. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care in one location. It is well-served by local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for those coming from different parts of the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Physiotherapy
- What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?
- Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiothérapeute to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.
- Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- In Quebec, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ, and patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. However, certain public hospital services or CLSC programs might cover physiotherapy if specific criteria are met. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private extended health insurance plans for coverage options.
- 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 has a college diploma focused on technical application, assisting physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, helping with exercises, and reporting progress.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiothérapeute in QC?
- Patients in Quebec can generally see a Physiothérapeute without a doctor's referral, in a process known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider before your appointment.
- How can I book an appointment at Hôpital Marie-Clarac?
- You can book an appointment by calling the hospital directly at (514) 321-8800 during business hours. Many practitioners also offer online booking via the hospital's website. The friendly staff will assist you in scheduling a suitable time with the appropriate physiotherapist for your needs.
Clinic Contact & Licensing Information
Hôpital Marie-Clarac
3530, Boulevard Gouin E
Montréal-Nord, QC H1H 1B7
Phone: (514) 321-8800
Stephanie Gauthier 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.