Catherine Bernier-Chabot – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Catherine Bernier-Chabot is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at the CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont) 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). Catherine specializes in addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. Her approach encompasses everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. With a focus on performance and athletic excellence, Catherine tailors her interventions to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return safely to their sport, optimize their performance, and prevent future injuries. She serves a diverse patient population, including children, adolescents, and adults, ensuring personalized care that promotes optimal movement and function.

With a solid background in physiotherapy, Catherine completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience. She is deeply committed to ongoing professional development and adheres to evidence-based practices. Catherine has cultivated expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Sports Physiotherapy, allowing her to effectively address sports-related injuries and enhance athletic performance. Her passion for continuous learning ensures she stays current with the latest techniques and research, providing her patients with the most effective treatment options available.

Catherine’s practice philosophy is rooted in a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and lifelong professional learning. She promotes preventative care and long-term wellness through proactive physiotherapy strategies. Her collaborative approach involves working closely with patients to understand their goals, develop tailored treatment plans, and empower them to achieve their movement and functional objectives. Catherine is fluent in both French and English, facilitating clear communication and fostering a welcoming environment for all her patients.

Catherine Bernier-Chabot provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Common Msk

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.

Arthritis

• 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.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.

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

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Catherine. 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 de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Catherine frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Living with post-operative stiffness and weakness that’s slowing down my recovery doesn’t have to be your norm. Catherine applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards improved circulation and tissue healing, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches.
• Many individuals seek help from Catherine, their physiotherapist, when hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.
• Physiotherapy with Catherine can be a transformative turning point for those affected by persistent dizziness that isn’t a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady. The shared goal is experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life, paving the way for you to enjoy setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Catherine's practice is located at the CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont) in Sherbrooke, QC, situated in the Fleurimont West (Hospital Area) neighborhood. The clinic is housed within the Clinique externe de centre hospitalier, offering convenient access near the Commercial Corridor North. Easily reachable via public transit with the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS), the clinic is designed to be accessible for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan permits it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if specific criteria are met. Most outpatient physiotherapy in private clinics requires private insurance coverage. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you’re dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiothérapeute will work with you. They’ll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

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, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to *see* a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is recommended to check your specific insurance policy before your appointment to ensure coverage and reimbursement eligibility.

CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont)
3001, 12e Avenue N
Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4

Phone: (819) 346-1110

Catherine Bernier-Chabot 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.