Xavier Gosselin – Physiotherapist | Montréal, QC

Xavier Gosselin is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame in Montréal, QC. Xavier is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). His approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs, fostering effective recovery and long-term wellness.

Specializing in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-surgical conditions, Xavier’s physiotherapy practice focuses on helping patients recover function, improve mobility, manage symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. Whether dealing with acute injuries such as sprains and strains, or managing chronic conditions like arthritis, Xavier employs evidence-based techniques to support his patients. His expertise extends to neurological rehabilitation, assisting individuals in their recovery from events such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson’s Disease, with a focus on restoring independence and promoting optimal function.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Xavier has developed skills and a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. His practice philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Xavier promotes preventative care and long-term health strategies to encourage proactive wellness within the Montréal community. He is fluent in both French and English, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for his diverse patient population.

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

Vestibular Balance

• 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): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.

Neurological

• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Supporting individuals with FND to improve their physical function, reduce symptom burden, and enhance participation in daily life activities through specialized physiotherapy.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Gentle exercises, stretching programs, and strategies to preserve strength and function, and to manage secondary complications associated with muscular dystrophies.

Back & Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

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

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Xavier. 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 CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Xavier frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many find that feeling unsteady on their feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems significantly impacts their ability to participate effectively in activities like sports or daily routines. Xavier helps patients manage flare-ups with personalized strategies and regain confidence in their balance, enabling a safer return to their favorite activities.
• The journey to feeling more 'unstuck' and less plagued by persistent 'pins and needles' sensations is made more manageable with Xavier's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.
• Tired of knee pain interfering with daily tasks such as climbing stairs or reaching high shelves? Xavier uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to improve mobility and strength, helping patients move more freely and regain independence.

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

Xavier practices at the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame, situated in a central Montréal neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care. The clinic is accessible via various public transit routes, ensuring ease of travel for patients coming from different parts of the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 use private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic services are typically not reimbursed by RAMQ. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans, as many offer significant coverage for physiotherapy in private clinics.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial appointment involves a comprehensive assessment. Xavier will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, concerns, and your goals. This is followed by a physical examination, evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, and movement patterns. Based on findings, Xavier will provide a diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan, and often initiate some treatment or provide educational guidance and home exercises to start your recovery.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Technologue en physiothérapie in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master’s degree and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, create treatment plans, and perform advanced interventions. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under supervision, applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress, but does not diagnose or independently plan treatments. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. Some discomfort or a gentle stretch may occur during treatment, especially in the early stages of recovery, but it should not be distressing. Xavier ensures treatments are adapted to your comfort, guiding you through each step to promote healing without unnecessary pain.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician’s referral, known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your individual insurance policy before your appointment to confirm any specific requirements.

CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal - Hôpital Notre-Dame
1560, Rue Sherbrooke E
Montréal, QC H2L 4M1

Phone: (514) 413-8777

Xavier Gosselin 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.