Alexis Gougeon
in a nutshell
"We've never tried everything."
This is my philosophy in physiotherapy. Regardless of the duration or complexity of pain, there is always hope to improve and rediscover the pleasure of doing what we love.
I am passionate about everything related to injuries, pain, and health. This passion led me to create my own podcast, Parle-moi de santé, where I offer a source of reliable information on various health-related topics. It also leads me to dedicate nearly a hundred hours per year to continuing education, teaching at the university, presenting at conferences, and giving lectures.
You'll get along well with me if:
- You like to understand your condition and have a clear game plan to resolve it
- You need someone to reassure, encourage, or motivate you during your recovery
- You love sports, the outdoors, travel... or the Montreal Canadiens!
I have a particular interest in:
- Complex and chronic issues, regardless of the body region
- Sports injuries, especially those related to the sports I play: running, cross-country skiing, cycling, hiking, and volleyball
- Concussions and vestibular disorders (vertigo, dizziness, headaches, etc.)
I have always been very curious about the complexity of the human body. For me, working in a helping relationship was a necessity, and I couldn't see myself doing office work my whole life since I need to move. Physio was therefore the logical choice that combined all these elements.
I graduated from the University of Montreal in 2018, after four intense years of involvement with my student association as a sports representative on the board of directors.
I started my career as a physiotherapist at Physioactif. Since the fall of 2019, I have been a trainer for residents of the St-Eustache family medicine unit and also a speaker for several medical clinics where we present the management of various musculoskeletal injuries to doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.
I also teach musculoskeletal disorder assessment to medical students at the University of Montreal. I am passionate about these two aspects of my practice because they allow me to teach and share my knowledge. I am also the creator of the podcast ''Parle-moi de santé'', which was launched in September 2020.
- Levels 1 to 3 in manual therapy, AQPMA (date)
- Sub-classification & clinical prediction rules for neuromuscular rehab, Sean Gibbons (date)
- Shoulder girdle & forearm: movement analysis, sub-classification & neuromuscular retraining for functional movement control, Sean Gibbons (date)
- Cervical spine and tmj movement analysis, sub-classification & neuromuscular retraining, Sean Gibbons (date)
- Neurodynamic treatment with motor control retraining: neck and upper quadrant – trunk and lower quadrant, Sean Gibbons (date)
- Movement analysis, sub-classification & neuromuscular retraining for functional movement and translation control of the lumbar spine & pelvis, Sean Gibbons (date)
- Hip & lower limb: movement analysis, sub-classification & neuromuscular retraining, Sean Gibbons (date)
- Sports taping training (date)
- Training on the assessment and treatment of the shoulder, Jarred Powell (date)
- Peace and Love Training, Clinique du coureur (date)
- The neuromeningeal system and its interfaces, Sylvain St-Amour and Ariel Desjardins-Charbonneau (date)
- New basic training in motivational interviewing, INSPQ (date)
- Vestibular rehabilitation (2021)
- Advanced Concussion, Body Image and Midline Presentations, Sean Gibbons (November, 2021)
- SIJ, Hip & Lower Limb: Movement analysis, Sub-classification, Neuromuscular Retraining for Functional Movement Control, Sean Gibbons (May, 2022)
- Shoulder Girdle, Forearm and Hand: Movement and Loading Analysis for Motor Behavior Therapy, Sean Gibbons (October, 2022)
- Cervical Spine & Temporo-mandibular Joint: Loading Analysis for Motor Behavior Therapy, Sean Gibbons (April, 2023)
- Clinical reasoning of the shoulder (2023)
- Thoracic Spine: Movement & Loading Analysis for Motor Behavior Therapy, Sean Gibbons (November, 2023)
- Clinical research (2022 and 2024)
- The neuromeningeal system in musculoskeletal problems: assessment, exercises and treatment - 1.0 (date)
- Mastering psychosocial challenges in physiotherapy (date)
- Headache and oro-facial pain (date)
What I'm most passionate about is playing detective to find the cause of each injury. I also enjoy having the chance to educate people about health choices and bring everyone back to their optimal functional state, regardless of their activity level.
Beyond recovering from their injury, people will learn a great deal about pain, injury prevention, and their body in general after receiving physiotherapy with me. My goal as a physiotherapist is to empower patients to take an active role in managing their injury.
Growing up, I played soccer and hockey until the end of high school. In college, I played indoor volleyball.
Currently, my main sports passions are cross-country skiing, beach volleyball, road cycling, running, and trail running.
I compete at an amateur level in cross-country skiing, participating in 3 to 5 races each winter, and I play in competitive 2-on-2 beach volleyball tournaments during the summer.
In July 2021, I participated in my first trail race, completing the 23km Mont-Albert Ultra-Trail in Gaspésie. I completed my first ultra-trail race in September 2023, the 65 km Ultra Trail Harricana de Charlevoix. I am also a coach for the Skimco cross-country ski club in Montreal. Additionally, I enjoy hiking wherever I travel.
I once injured my hip after a bad fall during a floor hockey game, but about 3-4 weeks later, I was back on my feet. The lesson I learned from this is that regardless of the severity of an injury seen on an X-ray or other imaging, we can always re-educate the body to achieve our goals.
- I love to travel all over the world. So far, my favorite trips have been to Indonesia and Portugal.
- I'm a huge fan of pain au chocolat and croissants! I dream of opening my own cafe one day. I even know what it would be called (but I'm keeping the name to myself).
- The book 'The Four Agreements' completely changed my life. A must-read!
Services offered by Guillaume
We offer a full range of healthcare services tailored to your individual needs. Whether you’re seeking treatment for a specific condition or looking to maintain your overall well-being, we’re here to help.
In most cases, a blockage or stiffness doesn't originate solely from the area where you feel the limitation. It could be due to joint irritation, a protective muscle spasm, or a mechanical restriction that prevents normal movement.
Simply treating the pain or “forcing” movement does not solve the problem. At Physioactif, our approach involves precisely identifying the underlying issue through advanced manual physical therapy and restoring effective movement starting with the very first sessions.
Numbness or neuralgia does not always originate solely from the area where the symptoms appear. The problem may be related to irritation or compression of the nerve in the spine or elsewhere along its peripheral course, as in the case of jaw neuralgia, where the pain radiates to the face.
When the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, numbness is often caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. An evaluation helps pinpoint the exact cause of the symptom and allows for the use of appropriate techniques, such as neurodynamic mobilization, to improve the nerve’s tolerance to movement and reduce radiating pain.
When symptoms affect the inner ear, treatment for vertigo involves targeted exercises for the vestibular system. Our guide to physical therapy for nerve-related pain explains these techniques in detail.
It’s common to have received several different explanations or to have not received a satisfactory answer to a persistent problem. When faced with conflicting explanations or a persistent problem, getting a second opinion from a physical therapist can help clarify your condition. A thorough evaluation allows for a structured review of your case and an analysis of factors that are often overlooked during initial consultations.
At Physioactif, the evaluation aims to establish precise clinical reasoning, validate or invalidate certain hypotheses, and propose a clear direction based on your actual situation.
Chronic pain is rarely caused by a single factor. It can involve mechanical and neurological components, as well as increased sensitivity of the body’s pain system. This is also true in oncology physical therapy, where pain requires specialized management. It is often for this reason that passive or overly general treatments yield few lasting results. Balance disorders and dizziness also respond well to active, targeted management.
At Physioactif, the approach involves analyzing all the factors that maintain pain and gradually reintroducing adapted movements and loads to desensitize the system and improve function.
Rehabilitation doesn't start after surgery, but well before. Good preparation helps improve mobility, strength, and understanding of exercises, which greatly facilitates post-operative recovery.
After surgery, the goal is to gradually restore movement, protect the healing tissues, and regain the abilities needed for your daily activities without compromising the results of the surgery—a process supervised by physical therapists certified by the FCAMPT.
Vestibular disorders occur when the system responsible for balance no longer correctly transmits information to the brain. This can cause dizziness, instability, or a sensation of movement.
An evaluation in vestibular physical therapy helps determine the cause of the problem and use specific exercises to rehabilitate the vestibular system, improve stability, and gradually reduce symptoms
Sports-related pain isn't just caused by trauma; it often results from repeated stress that the body can't handle, as in the case of anterior knee pain in runners. Continuing to train without addressing the cause increases the risk of a relapse.
The evaluation helps identify the limitations involved, whether related to mobility, strength, or control. Treatment then aims to reduce pain, correct functional deficits, and prepare for a gradual return to sports. To resume physical activity during or after pregnancy, prenatal physical therapy provides guidance to ensure a safe return.
An inefficient running technique can place excessive strain on certain structures and contribute to the onset of pain, including patellofemoral syndrome, which manifests at the front of the knee. These issues are not always apparent without analysis
Biomechanical assessment allows us to observe your running pattern, identify limitations, and make precise adjustments. The goal is to optimize movement while reducing stress on the body.
Accident-related injuries can affect the neck, back, or nervous system, even if symptoms initially seem mild.
An assessment helps identify the affected structures and establish a tailored treatment plan recognized by the SAAQ to promote full recovery.
Work-related injuries can be mechanical, muscular, or caused by repetitive movements.
The assessment helps us understand the specific demands of your job and tailor treatment to ensure a safe and lasting return to work under the CNESST program.
The physical consequences of a criminal act can include muscle pain, stiffness, or more complex injuries.
The goal is to precisely assess your condition and implement a progressive treatment that respects your recovery pace and the requirements of the IVAC program.
Injuries in veterans are often complex and can affect multiple systems, such as joints, muscles, or the nervous system.
Our approach aims to precisely understand your condition and provide structured treatment that meets program requirements while supporting a gradual return to your activities.
Techniques mastered by Guillaume
The McKenzie Approach is a globally recognized assessment and treatment method that is particularly effective for back problems. It is often combined with manual therapy provided by an FCAMPT-certified physical therapist to create a comprehensive treatment plan. This approach gives you the tools to manage and prevent your pain on your own. The same principle of guided self-treatment applies to jaw joint pain, where targeted exercises help restore a comfortable range of motion.
The Mulligan approach, recognized worldwide, combines active movement and mobilization to produce immediate results. This unique technique restores joint function without pain, even in cases where other approaches have failed. It is part of our arsenal of orthopedic manual therapy techniques.
Knowledge is the key to a successful recovery. Our educational approach helps you better understand your pain-related issues and provides you with the tools you need to actively participate in your recovery and prevent relapses. For example, it helps you understand the mechanisms behind urinary incontinence.
An ill-suited workstation can cause strain and pain that affect your productivity. Our professional ergonomic assessment identifies the adjustments needed to create a comfortable and efficient workspace.
A personalized exercise program is the key to achieving your strength and endurance goals, as well as to strengthening your thigh muscles and relieving patellofemoral pain. Our expertise in designing tailored programs allows you to progress safely while taking your abilities and lifestyle into account. To understand how these therapeutic rehabilitation exercises fit into a recovery plan, check out our comprehensive guide.
Weak stabilizing muscles can cause pain during prolonged postures or everyday movements. Core exercises are often taught incorrectly and can hinder your progress—a common challenge in postpartum physical therapy when it’s necessary to reactivate the abdominal core. Our specialized approach activates these essential deep muscles, creating a solid foundation for all your movements and daily activities. The pelvic floor is one of these deep muscles, and its rehabilitation follows the same principles of control and coordination.
Joint pain and stiffness can significantly limit your daily activities. Our physical therapists, trained inthe FCAMPT approach, use specialized joint mobilization and manipulation techniques to restore the natural movement of your joints and reduce your pain, including for temporomandibular joint disorders that limit your ability to open your mouth. This expertise is based on FCAMPT certification.
Poor posture can be the source of many everyday aches and discomforts, including jaw tension related to the position of the head and neck. Our approach combines precise postural analysis with practical solutions to improve your natural alignment and prevent chronic muscle tension. For toddlers, posture assessment is part of pediatric physical therapy for children ages 0 to 7.
Always moving the same way can lead to injuries because repetitive movements eventually overburden the same structures in your body, which often explains persistent pain in the front of the knee. Our approach precisely analyzes and corrects your movement patterns to restore biomechanics that won’t cause microtrauma. This focus on quality of movement also applies to children’s motor development, where we support the acquisition of proper movement patterns from an early age.
Therapeutic taping uses adhesive strips to support a joint and guide movement in the short term. Among our approaches, we use the McConnell method in particular, which focuses on biomechanical correction rather than a neuromuscular effect—a technique sometimes used as a complementary treatment for patellar pain. Taping aimed at altering biomechanics can provide short-term relief; however, according to available data, so-called neuromuscular taping approaches do not show a clear advantage over placebo taping. We do not deny that some people still experience a benefit from it, but it is not an approach we recommend as a first resort: taping always complements an active treatment plan tailored to your evaluation—it is never a substitute for it.
Tele-physical therapy offers the flexibility of professional care from the comfort of your own home. No matter where you are in the world, you can benefit from our unique expertise. This modern solution provides effective, personalized care tailored to your schedule, while maintaining the highest quality of care.
Primitive reflexes that persist into adulthood can disrupt your balance, coordination, and posture, causing chronic tension and pain. The symmetrical tonic neck reflex during lateral flexion can also be assessed. The integration of these reflexes is a cornerstone of pediatric physical therapy for children ages 0 to 7. The Galant spinal reflex test is one such assessment. When balance disorders are predominant, vestibular rehabilitation complements this approach. Our specialized approach targets these primitive motor patterns to restore more mature and efficient movements, specifically by assessing the Galant spinal reflex. These treatments are indicated for persistent pain.
We are pioneers in Quebec in the treatment of nerves. We know that symptoms of nerve compression—such as tingling, numbness, or burning pain—can disrupt your sleep and your quality of life. These nerve irritations can also contribute to jaw pain, which we evaluate in the same way. Our specialized nerve treatment techniques precisely target these sensitive structures to reduce irritation and restore their proper function.
Contact Guillaume Lamothe
If you have any questions or would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Phone
Office
3224 Jean-Béraud Ave., Suite 220, Laval,
QC H7T 2S4
Located in Chomedey, in the heart of Laval, the Physioactif clinic is easily accessible to people in the area
Make an appointment now
