Catherine Lajoie – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Catherine Lajoie is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Vestibular & Balance Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Centre de réadaptation Estrie in Sherbrooke, QC, Catherine 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 and tailoring treatment strategies to promote optimal recovery and well-being.

Specializing in vestibular and balance disorders, Catherine offers expert assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues caused by inner ear or central nervous system conditions. Her goal is to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and decrease fall risk, enabling her patients to regain confidence in their daily activities. Additionally, she provides specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents to address developmental delays, congenital conditions such as torticollis, orthopedic injuries, neurological issues, and to support the development of motor skills and participation in everyday activities.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices and ongoing professional development, Catherine’s focus is on delivering compassionate, community-oriented care. She strives to empower her patients through education and active involvement in their rehabilitation, fostering a supportive environment that promotes long-term health and wellness. Catherine is fluent in English and French, facilitating clear communication and personalized care for diverse community members.

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

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: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• 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.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.

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

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.

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 Centre de réadaptation Estrie, 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:

• Many individuals seek help from Catherine, their physiotherapist, when my child walking on their toes most of the time starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like playing your musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Catherine's clinic, common concerns like feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun.
• The path to recovery from working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery and achieving feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health for keeping up with your team during our weekly soccer match often starts with expert guidance. Catherine, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Catherine practices at the Centre de réadaptation Estrie, situated in the Fleurimont East neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Carrefour de l'Estrie (Mall) and is easily accessible via Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if it meets specific criteria. It is important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

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

A Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) in Quebec holds a university master’s degree and is authorized to perform patient assessments, establish diagnoses, create treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college diploma and works under supervision, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or create treatment plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

Patients in Quebec can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician’s referral, which is known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy details before your initial appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on techniques performed by your Physiothérapeute to assess and treat joints, muscles, and nerves. These include joint mobilizations, soft tissue release, and sometimes manipulations, all aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility and function.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, severity, and personal goals. Your Physiothérapeute will discuss an estimated treatment plan after your initial assessment and re-evaluate your progress regularly to tailor your care.

Centre de réadaptation Estrie
300, Rue King E, # 200
Sherbrooke, QC J1G 1B1

Phone: (819) 346-8411

Catherine Lajoie 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.