Alexandre Brunette

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

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription (if offered/certified): Assessment for and provision of custom orthotics to help manage lower limb conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, Achilles tendinopathy, or leg length discrepancies.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Orthopedic Bracing & Support Consultation/Fitting: Assessment by your Physiotherapist for and fitting of orthopedic braces or supports (custom or off-the-shelf) to stabilize joints, manage injuries (e.g., ligament tears, osteoarthritis, instability), protect healing tissues, and facilitate safe activity participation.
• Therapeutic & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid): Taping strategies implemented by your Physiotherapist to aid in injury management, provide stability during activity, offload sensitive tissues, and promote optimal biomechanics.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Alexandre. 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 MCQ (Hotel-Dieu d'Arthabaska), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Alexandre frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Struggling with the frustration of one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain? Alexandre develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks. This is key to helping you get back to doing painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment? Alexandre works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as participating fully in your martial arts practice, including sparring.
• Patients struggling with soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise can find dedicated and compassionate support from Alexandre. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.

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

Alexandre practices at CIUSSS MCQ (Hotel-Dieu d'Arthabaska), situated in a convenient, central location within the Victoriaville neighborhood. The clinic is housed within a public healthcare facility that is easily accessible for patients coming from various parts of the community. It is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to combine their physiotherapy visits with other errands or appointments. The facility is well-connected by local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for everyone. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiothérapeute uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

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 through private insurance. However, some coverage may be available for specific cases such as hospital-based physiotherapy or certain programs for seniors or low-income individuals. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and review your private extended health insurance plan for possible reimbursement options.

Is there parking available at or near CIUSSS MCQ (Hotel-Dieu d'Arthabaska)?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Additionally, metered street parking is generally available on nearby streets, and a paid public parkade is located within a short walking distance. Always check local signage for restrictions or time limits.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This varies depending on your condition and goals. After your initial assessment, Alexandre will provide an estimate tailored to your needs. Your progress will be regularly reviewed, and adjustments will be made to ensure optimal recovery and achievement of your goals.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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

A Physiothérapeute has completed a master's level university education, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma and assists in implementing treatments under the supervision of a Physiothérapeute or physician, focusing on technical aspects of care.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private insurance plans offer coverage for physiotherapy services. It is recommended to contact your insurer before your first visit to understand your coverage limits, co-payments, and whether a referral is needed. We can often bill your insurer directly if your plan allows, or provide receipts for you to submit for reimbursement. Please bring your insurance information to your appointment.

CIUSSS MCQ (Hotel-Dieu d'Arthabaska)
5, Rue des Hospitalières
Victoriaville, QC G6P 6N2

Phone: (819) 357-2030

Alexandre Brunette 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.