Alexanne Groleau – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Alexanne Groleau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Cigonia centre de rééducation périnéale & pédiatrique in Sherbrooke, QC. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). With a focus on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, Alexanne offers comprehensive assessments and personalized treatments. Her approach encompasses everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and extensive post-operative rehabilitation, ensuring her patients regain their mobility and strength effectively.

Specializing in pelvic health, Alexanne provides expert care for conditions related to the pelvic floor and surrounding regions for all genders. Her services include managing issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal concerns. She serves adults and seniors, tailoring her interventions to their unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive and empowering environment for recovery and wellness.

Alexanne completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience, continually advancing her skills through ongoing professional development. She has developed a particular interest and expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a patient-centered, collaborative approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Fluent in both French and English, Alexanne strives to create a welcoming space where her patients feel heard, supported, and motivated on their journey to optimal health.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Chronic Pain

• Fibromyalgia: Physiotherapy approaches for managing the diffuse pain, stiffness, and tenderness associated with fibromyalgia, often involving gentle exercise (e.g., aquatic therapy, tai chi, graded aerobic activity), pain science education, activity pacing, and stress reduction strategies.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) - Activity Management: Physiotherapy support for individuals with CFS/ME, focusing on developing personalized pacing strategies, energy conservation techniques, gentle mobility exercises (within energy limits), and education on symptom management to improve daily function and quality of life while respecting the illness's limitations.

Pelvic Health

• Prostatitis Symptoms / Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men (Supportive Care): Physiotherapy management of pelvic pain symptoms in men, often diagnosed as chronic non-bacterial prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), frequently as part of a multidisciplinary care approach.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Conservative Management): Strengthening and improving the function of your pelvic floor muscles to provide better support for your pelvic organs and manage prolapse symptoms effectively.
• Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia) / Vaginismus / Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: Specialized physiotherapy by a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist for sexual pain disorders, focusing on desensitization techniques, manual therapy to release tight pelvic floor muscles and trigger points, specific relaxation and stretching exercises, dilator therapy guidance (if appropriate), and pain education.
• Constipation / Bowel Dysfunction (Pelvic Floor Related): Improving the coordination, strength, and relaxation of muscles involved in defecation to promote easier and more complete bowel movements.

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

• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Pre-Natal (Pregnancy) Physiotherapy: Addressing the unique physical demands of pregnancy with tailored physiotherapy interventions, helping you prevent issues and optimize your well-being.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Post-Natal (Postpartum) Rehabilitation: A personalized physiotherapy program to guide your physical recovery after having a baby, whether by vaginal delivery or C-section, focusing on your specific needs and goals.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• 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 Alexanne. 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 Cigonia centre de rééducation périnéale & pédiatrique, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Alexanne frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Alexanne can help you move beyond recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches. The focus is on getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.
• Living with dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash doesn't have to be your norm. Alexanne applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably.
• When pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing getting back to golfing 18 holes without your back acting up, physiotherapy with Alexanne can help you work towards getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Alexanne practices at Cigonia centre de rééducation périnéale & pédiatrique, situated within a reputable physiotherapy clinic in the Sherbrooke neighborhood of Sherbrooke. The clinic is conveniently located near Mont Bellevue Access and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiothérapeute will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In Quebec, most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Some exceptions may exist if services are received within a public hospital or CLSC and meet specific criteria. It is advisable to verify eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for coverage details.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy before your appointment.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiothérapeute to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Cigonia centre de rééducation périnéale & pédiatrique
2845, Rue King O
Sherbrooke, QC J1L 1C6

Phone: (819) 821-3434 | Website: cigonia.com

Alexanne Groleau 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.