Geneviève Bernatchez-Lavallée

Occupation:
Physiotherapist
Main clinic:
Physioactif Ahuntsic and Villeray
Pronoun:
She

Geneviève Bernatchez-Lavallée

in a nutshell

"We shouldn't wait to enjoy life."

This is how I like to approach life. It's why I took the time to travel between finishing my studies and starting my career. It's also why I take advantage of my free time to move and spend time with the people I love.

As a physiotherapist, it is important for me to help my patients resume the activities that are important to them. That's what motivates me to help people suffering from an injury, pain, or a perineal and/or pelvic issue.

You'll get along well with me if:

  • You want to take charge of your physical condition and enjoy life as you see fit.
  • You enjoy physical activity, travel, and food

I have a particular interest in:

  • All injuries related to sports activities, such as climbing, cycling, and skiing, or simply related to everyday mishaps or work. 
  • Perineal and pelvic issues in women.
What has your career path been like?

After obtaining a Minor in Biology from the University of Montreal, I wanted to change direction. I was drawn to physiotherapy because it's a profession that would allow me to use advanced knowledge in health sciences, but it's also very human, active, and allows me to establish good connections with people.

During my studies, I was a student therapist for the soccer and flag football teams at Collège Montmorency. This gave me a good overview of what the physiotherapy profession could be.

Continuing education?
  • Basic Principles of Taping (2020)
  • Sports First Responder (2021)
  • Motor Control of the Cervical Region and TMJ, Sean Gibbons (2023)
  • Graduate Microprogram in Perineal and Pelvic Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal (2023—in progress)
  • The Neuromeningeal System in Musculoskeletal Problems 1.0 (2024)
What do you find most rewarding about your job?

What I'm most passionate about in physiotherapy is being in contact with people and promoting an active lifestyle. I love seeing or hearing patients tell me that they have started gardening, playing golf, holding their granddaughter, dancing, etc. again. It's a very stimulating job that involves significant analytical work to arrive at a physiotherapy diagnosis.

What sports do you play?

I love rock climbing. I use a bicycle as a means of transportation, summer and winter, as well as for short bike-camping trips. In the winter, I love downhill skiing, ski touring, and cross-country skiing. I have played soccer and volleyball at a high level. I have also practiced gymnastics and figure skating. So, I have an easy time understanding various movement patterns as well as the injuries related to them.

Have you ever been injured?

Fortunately, I have never suffered a serious injury. However, when I was 11 years old, I was diagnosed with Osgood Schlatter's disease, which is an inflammation of the patellar tendon (knee). At the time, like any stubborn child who likes to move, I didn't want to listen to the physiotherapist's recommendations, and now I have a nice bump on my knee... If I could do it again, I would follow the recommendations of my physiotherapist at the time more closely.

Three funny facts about you
  • After finishing my studies, I decided to take a cycle-tourism trip to Vermont from Montreal, a climbing trip to Kentucky, as well as a trip to Southeast Asia and Mexico.
  • I speak French and English. In addition, I have an intermediate level of Spanish and love to practice when I have the chance.
  • I love getting recommendations for restaurants, books, and movies.

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.

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Stiffness, rigidity, or loss of mobility

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 doesn't solve the problem. At Physioactif, our approach is to precisely identify the underlying structure and restore effective movement starting from the very first sessions.

Common reasons for seeking medical advice
Nerve pain and numbness

Numbness or nerve pain doesn't always originate solely from the area where symptoms appear. The problem might be related to nerve irritation or compression in the spine, or elsewhere along its peripheral path.

The assessment helps precisely identify the symptom's origin and use tailored techniques, such as neurodynamic mobilization, to improve the nerve's tolerance to movement and reduce radiating pain.

Common reasons for seeking medical advice
Comprehensive evaluation and second opinion

It is common to have received several different explanations or not to have found a satisfactory answer to a persistent problem. A thorough evaluation allows for a structured review of the case and an analysis of elements 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.

Common reasons for seeking medical advice
Persistent (chronic) pain

Chronic pain is rarely linked to a single factor. It can involve mechanical and nervous components, and even an increased sensitivity of the system to pain. This is often why passive or overly general treatments yield few lasting results.

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.

Common reasons for seeking medical advice
Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation

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 the procedure, the goal is to gradually restore movement, protect healing structures, and regain the abilities needed for your activities without compromising the surgical results.

Common reasons for seeking medical advice
Prenatal and postpartum care

During pregnancy and after childbirth, the body undergoes significant adaptations that affect muscles, joints, and the pelvic floor. These changes can lead to lower back pain, urinary leakage, or reduced muscle control.

Physiotherapy support helps monitor the body's changes, prevent certain complications, and gradually regain strength, stability, and control with exercises tailored to each stage.

Areas of expertise in physical therapy
Perineal and Pelvic Rehabilitation

Pelvic floor disorders are not just about weakness. In many cases, they involve a lack of coordination, excessive tension, or poor muscle control. These imbalances can lead to urinary leakage, pain, or a feeling of pressure.

The evaluation allows for a precise analysis of how the pelvic muscles function and uses targeted exercises to restore effective control, improve support, and reduce symptoms.

Areas of expertise in physical therapy
Sports injuries

Sports-related pain doesn't just come from a single injury; it often results from repeated stress that the body struggles to tolerate. Continuing to train without addressing the cause increases the risk of recurrence.

The assessment helps identify the underlying issues, whether related to mobility, strength, or control. Treatment then focuses on reducing pain, correcting deficiencies, and preparing for a gradual return to sports.

Areas of expertise in physical therapy
SAAQ Program (Traffic Accidents)

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.

Access to healthcare and reimbursement
CNESST Program (Workplace Accidents)

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.

Access to healthcare and reimbursement
IVAC Program (Criminal Offenses)

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.

Access to healthcare and reimbursement
Veterans 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.

Access to healthcare and reimbursement

Techniques mastered by Guillaume

McKenzie Approach

The McKenzie Approach is a globally recognized assessment and treatment method, particularly effective for back problems. This approach equips you with the tools to independently manage and prevent your pain.

Mulligan Approach

The globally recognized Mulligan approach combines active movement and mobilization to deliver immediate results. This unique technique restores joint function without pain, even in cases where other approaches have failed.

Teaching about the condition

Knowledge is the key to a successful recovery. Our educational approach helps you better understand your pain and gives you the tools you need to actively participate in your recovery and prevent future episodes.

Workplace Assessment

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.

Strength and Endurance Exercises

A personalized exercise program is the key to achieving your strength and endurance goals. Our expertise in designing tailored programs allows you to progress safely while taking your abilities and lifestyle into account.

Exercises for stabilizing muscles

Weak stabilizing muscles can cause pain during prolonged periods of standing or sitting, or even during simple movements. Core exercises are often taught incorrectly, which can hinder your progress. Our specialized approach activates these essential deep muscles, creating a solid foundation for all your movements and daily activities.

Joint mobilization and manipulation

Joint pain and stiffness can significantly limit your daily activities. Our physical therapists use specialized joint mobilization and manipulation techniques to restore your joints’ natural range of motion and reduce your pain.

Posture

Poor posture can be the cause of many everyday aches and pains. Our approach combines precise postural analysis with practical solutions to improve your natural alignment and prevent chronic muscle tension.

Movement Rehabilitation

Always moving in the same way can lead to injuries because repetitive movements eventually overburden the same parts of your body. Our approach analyzes and precisely corrects your movement patterns to restore biomechanics that won’t cause microtrauma.

Taping

Therapeutic taping is a versatile technique that uses various types of adhesive tape to relieve pain and improve joint stability. Among our approaches, we use the McConnell method, which is recognized for its effectiveness in biomechanical correction and the treatment of joint pain.

Telerehabilitation

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.

Neurodevelopmental Therapy and Primitive Reflexes

Primitive reflexes that persist into adulthood can disrupt your balance, coordination, and posture, leading to tension and chronic pain. Our specialized approach targets these primitive motor patterns to restore more mature and efficient movements. These treatments are recommended for persistent pain.

Nerve treatment

We are pioneers in Quebec in the field of nerve treatment. We know that symptoms of nerve compression—such as tingling, numbness, or burning pain—can disrupt your sleep and affect your quality of life. 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.

Make an appointment now

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