Catherine Bibeau – Physiotherapist | Sorel-Tracy, QC

Catherine Bibeau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CISSS Montérégie Est - CH Hôtel-Dieu-de-Sorel in Sorel-Tracy, 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’s approach emphasizes understanding each patient's unique needs, fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to take an active role in their recovery process.

Her physiotherapy focus encompasses addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and general health conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains, to managing chronic pain, arthritis, and guiding patients through post-operative rehabilitation. Catherine also assists individuals recovering from neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson’s Disease, helping them regain mobility, improve function, and enhance their overall quality of life.

With a solid educational background and extensive clinical experience, Catherine has developed a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. She continually advances her skills through professional development, ensuring her practices are evidence-based and tailored to each patient's needs. Fluent in French, Catherine promotes a collaborative, educational, and preventative approach, working closely with her patients to achieve their movement and wellness goals.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• 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.

Hand & Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

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

• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.

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 CISSS Montérégie Est - CH Hôtel-Dieu-de-Sorel, 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:

• For those whose feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be has made setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports seem like a distant memory, Catherine's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand). Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• If trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is preventing you from fully enjoying competing effectively in your curling league games, Catherine offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Living with shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult doesn't have to be your norm. Catherine applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of taking energetic, long walks with your dog every day.

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

Catherine's practice is situated at CISSS Montérégie Est - CH Hôtel-Dieu-de-Sorel, located centrally in the Sorel-Tracy neighborhood of Sorel-Tracy, QC. This public healthcare facility offers a welcoming environment and is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies. Patients can access the clinic easily via various public transit routes, making it a practical choice for those relying on transportation. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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, while a referral is not legally required to access physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your appointment to ensure coverage.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might cause temporary discomfort or a sensation similar to muscle soreness after a workout, they should not be excessively painful or intolerable. Catherine will discuss what to expect during treatments and will always adjust techniques and intensity to ensure your comfort while still providing therapeutic benefits. Communicating openly about your comfort level is very important to achieve the best outcomes.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CISSS Montérégie Est - CH Hôtel-Dieu-de-Sorel treat?

Catherine treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and general health conditions. This includes issues such as back and neck pain, joint problems like arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, nerve pain, and neurological conditions such as stroke or Parkinson’s Disease. Her treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, balance training, and patient education to help individuals restore function and improve their quality of life.

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

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master’s degree in physiotherapy and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnosis, and create treatment plans. They can also perform certain restricted activities if certified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress without independently diagnosing or creating treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Is physiotherapy covered by RAMQ in Quebec?

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. However, care received within public hospitals or clinics may be covered under specific circumstances. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider to understand your coverage options. Limited coverage may be available for certain populations or conditions through provincial programs or specific plans.

CISSS Montérégie Est - CH Hôtel-Dieu-de-Sorel
400, Avenue de l'Hôtel-Dieu
Sorel-Tracy, QC J3P 1N5

Phone: (450) 746-6000

Catherine Bibeau 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.