Bernadette Galibois – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Bernadette Galibois is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Physiothérapie Bernadette Galibois in Sherbrooke, QC, Bernadette is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes understanding each individual's unique needs, fostering a welcoming environment where patients feel supported and empowered throughout their recovery journey.

Bernadette's physiotherapy practice focuses on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She also provides specialized assessment and treatment for jaw pain (TMJ/TMD), orofacial pain, and various types of headaches (e.g., cervicogenic, tension-type) that have a musculoskeletal component. Bernadette serves children, adolescents, and adults, tailoring her interventions to meet each patient’s specific goals and lifestyle.

With a solid educational foundation and extensive clinical experience, Bernadette has developed skills and a keen interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as TMJ, Headache, and Orofacial Pain Physiotherapy. She is committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring her practice remains evidence-based and up-to-date. Bernadette’s practice philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach—actively involving individuals in their treatment planning, providing clear education, and promoting preventative care for long-term wellness. Bernadette is fluent in French and English, facilitating effective communication with diverse patients in the Sherbrooke community.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Restoring spinal function, core stability, and body mechanics post-operatively, ensuring a safe progression back to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.

Tmj Headache

• Tension-Type Headaches: One of the most common types of headaches, often described as a constant ache, pressure, or a feeling of a tight band around the head, especially at the temples or back of the head and neck. Frequently related to muscle tension, stress, or postural strain.
• Migraines (Supportive Musculoskeletal Care): Addressing neck tension, muscle tightness, postural issues, or TMJ problems that may be associated with your migraine patterns, potentially reducing their frequency, intensity, or duration.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction / TMD: Pain, clicking, popping, locking, or limited movement in the jaw joint (TMJ) and the surrounding muscles of mastication (chewing). Can also cause or contribute to ear pain, headaches, or facial pain.
• Tinnitus (Musculoskeletal/TMJ-Related): Physiotherapy for tinnitus when it's related to somatic (body-related) factors, often involving manual therapy to the neck and jaw, exercises, and postural advice.

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

• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Bernadette. 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 Physiothérapie Bernadette Galibois, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Bernadette frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Bernadette's clinic, common concerns like an awkward gait or limping when I walk are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden and achieved enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day under the skilled care of Bernadette. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings with a new lease on life.
• With Bernadette's help, managing sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica, to achieve better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like going on birdwatching outings in various terrains.

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

Bernadette practices at 'Physiothérapie Bernadette Galibois', situated in the Jacques-Cartier (North) neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This private clinic is conveniently located near the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS) - Fleurimont, making it easily accessible for patients in the area. The clinic is well-connected via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS), ensuring straightforward access for those using public transit. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services conducted in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance for coverage. Some public coverage may be available if care is received directly within a hospital or CLSC under specific criteria, but private outpatient physiotherapy is usually not covered. It is important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage details.

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

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

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed university-level master's training, allowing them to assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and plays a vital role in implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, and applying modalities under supervision, supporting the physiotherapist's assessments and interventions.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

If your symptoms significantly worsen, experience new neurological symptoms, or if soreness persists longer than 48 hours, contact Bernadette or your physiotherapy clinic promptly. It may be necessary to reassess your condition or modify your treatment plan to ensure your safety and comfort.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first appointment will involve a comprehensive assessment where Bernadette will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform physical examinations. She will evaluate your movement, strength, posture, and specific functions related to your condition. Based on this, she will develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include initial interventions and education to guide your recovery.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not cause pain. Some discomfort or a gentle stretching sensation may be experienced during treatment, but it should not be distressing. Bernadette will tailor treatments to your comfort level, ensuring a positive experience aimed at improving your condition.

Physiothérapie Bernadette Galibois
1335, Rue King Ouest, # 310
Sherbrooke, QC J1J 1B8

Phone: (819) 212-6939

Bernadette Galibois 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.