Brigitte Charette – Physiotherapist | Saint-Jérôme, QC

Brigitte Charette is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CISSS des Laurentides (St-Jérôme) in Saint-Jérôme, 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). Brigitte specializes in delivering comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions, aiming to help adult patients restore optimal function, manage pain effectively, and enhance their overall quality of life.

With a solid educational foundation and extensive clinical experience, Brigitte has developed a keen expertise in evidence-based physiotherapy practices. She continually updates her skills through ongoing professional development to ensure her patients benefit from the latest therapeutic techniques and innovations in the field. Her approach emphasizes personalized care, tailored treatment plans, and proactive rehabilitation strategies to support her patients' unique goals and needs.

Brigitte’s practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness through proactive physiotherapy interventions. She believes in empowering her patients with clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Fluent in both English and French, Brigitte effectively communicates with a diverse patient population, ensuring comprehensive understanding and engagement in their recovery journey.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): A common overuse injury in active individuals and athletes, sometimes referred to as 'runner's knee' or 'anterior knee pain', often related to biomechanical issues in how the kneecap tracks.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), often resulting from running, jumping, or other repetitive impact activities, especially with sudden increases in training intensity or volume.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): An overuse injury resulting from repetitive friction of the IT band over the lateral femoral epicondyle (at the knee) or greater trochanter (at the hip).

Common Msk

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.

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

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Brigitte. 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 CISSS des Laurentides (St-Jérôme), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Brigitte frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Physiotherapy with Brigitte can be a transformative turning point for those affected by trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain. The shared goal is achieving improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain, paving the way for you to enjoy taking energetic, long walks with your dog every day and a more active, vibrant life.
• Brigitte frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.
• Don't let pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) dictate what you can and cannot do. Brigitte offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns, helping you reclaim reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Brigitte practices at CISSS des Laurentides (St-Jérôme), located in the heart of Downtown Saint-Jérôme, within the Saint-Antoine Sector neighborhood. The clinic is situated inside a public healthcare facility, making it convenient for patients from the surrounding areas. It is close to landmarks such as Place des Festivités and is easily accessible via exo (Secteur Laurentides - Bus). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 rely on private insurance. Public coverage may be available for care received within a hospital or CLSC under specific criteria, but for outpatient private clinics, coverage is limited. Patients should verify their eligibility directly with RAMQ and check their private insurance plans for coverage possibilities.

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

No, in Quebec, patients can typically access 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 advisable to check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, create treatment plans, and perform a wide range of interventions independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but not diagnosing or creating treatment plans independently. Both professions are regulated by the OPPQ.

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

If you experience a significant increase in pain, new neurological symptoms, or if soreness persists beyond 48 hours, contact Brigitte or your healthcare provider promptly. Mild soreness is common initially but should subside. Adjustments to your treatment plan may be necessary.

Is there parking available at or near CISSS des Laurentides (St-Jérôme)?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for designated patient spots. Additional street parking and paid parkades are also accessible nearby. Always check local signage for restrictions and time limits.

CISSS des Laurentides (St-Jérôme)
290, Rue de Montigny
Saint-Jérôme, QC J7Z 5T3

Phone: (450) 560-9898

Brigitte Charette 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.