A private clinic in Trois-Rivières specializing in the treatment of concussions has technology that is still rare in Canada. With the Gyrostim, a device for correcting disturbances in the vestibular system, more than 200 patients have been treated in just over a year.

At first glance, one might think it is a NASA driving or training cabin. The chair rotates by itself at high speed.

In Canada there are only three. There are two in Quebec and the other in the Toronto area. There are no others. When we bump our heads, it’s as if our inner ear or eye sensors are malfunctioning. This device, combined with other technologies and techniques, allows us to follow a treatment plan says Hemisphere Project co-owner Philippe Croisetière.

Your model is from the clinic of Dr. Inspired by Ted Carrick, a leading authority on concussion. It was he who treated Sidney Crosby with the same equipment and allowed him to return to the game in 2012 after suffering two serious concussions in less than a year.

In Trois-Rivières, in the Neuractiv clinic building, the Projet Hémisphère team is made up of chiropractors, kinesiologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Since April 2022, students, professionals and pensioners have been able to improve their quality of life every day.

Our typical cases are people who are severely disabled on a daily basis. Whether at work, during leisure time or at home due to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, exhaustion or tiredness says Olivier Gravel, one of the clinic’s physiotherapists.

A state-of-the-art clinic

According to Health Canada, persistent symptoms that can interfere with daily life include dizziness, confusion, irritability, headache and heart pain, memory loss, and pressure in the head and eyes.

Most of our cases involve people who have been reluctant to use traditional medicine. Often these people have not had a concussion in the past month. Often the problems drag on for six months, a year, two years and even four years adds Philippe Croisetière.

To pinpoint the exact cause of the persistent symptoms, the Hemisphere project team is using a variety of technologies. According to the owner group, the Trois Rivières clinic is the best equipped in Canada. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been invested in acquiring various neurotechnological devices.

In particular, we have purchased vision exercise equipment, therapeutic lasers, interactive metronomes, balance platforms and virtual reality equipment. says Mr. Croisetière.

At first glance, one of these devices looks like ski goggles, equipped with cameras that film the behavior of the eye and its reaction to certain stimuli.

Technology for the benefit of athletes

Many professional athletes from the National Hockey League, the Canadian Football League and professional boxers now receive the same treatments at the Trois-Rivières Project’s Hemisphere Clinic. Adam Auclair (Ottawa Red and Black, CFL) and Mathieu Olivier (Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL) have been seen there for the past few months. The technology allows them to optimize their reflexes.

This machine works wonders says boxer Simon Kean, who consults with the Project Hemisphere team once a week before his fights.

Among other things, he can improve his balance significantly through the exercises offered.

If you lose your balance while hitting, you won’t be able to counterattack. This is a very important aspect.

Kean is followed closely by Doctor Justin Roy, a chiropractor who played in the University of Quebec football league. He is able to understand what his patients are going through.

I had six concussions and had sequelae that tormented me daily for several years. I had severe vestibular migraines, everything was spinning. I threw up and couldn’t eat. These are the concepts that helped me and made me want to help others he says.

Different devices are used to measure progress. Since opening 15 months ago, this clinic has treated more than 200 people who suffered minor traumatic brain injuries.