Élodie Durand-Rouisse – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Élodie Durand-Rouisse is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Vestibular & Balance Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont) in Sherbrooke, QC, Élodie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes performance and athletic recovery, helping active individuals optimize their movement, reduce injury risk, and enhance overall functional capacity.

With a specialized focus on vestibular and balance disorders, Élodie offers expert assessment and tailored treatment plans to address dizziness, vertigo, and postural stability issues caused by inner ear or central nervous system conditions. Additionally, she manages acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, and post-COVID-19 recovery. Her comprehensive physiotherapy services include breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, personalized exercise prescriptions, and patient education to promote resilience and long-term wellness. Élodie serves adults and seniors, supporting them in regaining confidence, mobility, and independence.

Élodie completed her degree in Physiotherapy and continually advances her skills through ongoing professional development. She has cultivated expertise in Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation as well as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy, integrating evidence-based practices into her care. Her practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care, fostering a collaborative environment, and actively involving patients in their treatment planning. Élodie is fluent in French and English, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for a diverse patient population.

Élodie Durand-Rouisse provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Neurological

• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Supportive physiotherapy care designed to enhance quality of life, manage the physical challenges of various muscle diseases, and promote independence for as long as possible.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Rehabilitation strategies tailored to the unique and often variable presentation of FND, working collaboratively with the patient to achieve their functional goals.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurorehabilitation provided by a Physiotherapist to support functional recovery, improve independence in daily activities, and facilitate community reintegration after a head injury.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: May include specific facial exercises, neuromuscular re-education (PNF for the face), biofeedback, electrical stimulation (if appropriate), massage, and strategies to improve facial movement, symmetry, reduce synkinesis (unwanted movements), and manage eye care.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

Cardioresp

• Bronchiectasis Management (Airway Clearance): A chronic lung condition where the airways (bronchi) become permanently widened and damaged, leading to mucus buildup, recurrent chest infections, chronic cough, and breathlessness. Physiotherapy focuses primarily on airway clearance techniques.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): A progressive lung disease characterized by airflow limitation (making it hard to breathe out), leading to common symptoms like persistent breathlessness (especially with activity), chronic cough, and sputum (mucus) production.
• Post-Pneumonia / Respiratory Infection Recovery: A structured physiotherapy program focusing on breathing exercises, graded activity, and airway clearance (if needed) to optimize your recovery post-respiratory infection.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Customized exercise-based programs (e.g., gaze stabilization, habituation, balance retraining exercises) prescribed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist to reduce vestibular symptoms, improve functional balance, decrease fall risk, and enhance confidence in movement.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach to help you navigate your recovery after a concussion, promoting symptom resolution and safe resumption of activities.
• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy management for individuals experiencing persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection (Long COVID), such as profound fatigue, breathlessness (dyspnea), muscle weakness, joint pain, 'brain fog' (cognitive difficulties), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) symptoms, and exercise intolerance.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: A structured physiotherapy program designed to help you manage your chronic lung condition more effectively, improve your physical function, and reduce hospital admissions.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Rehabilitation support following cardiac events (e.g., heart attack, bypass surgery - often as part of a cardiac rehab team) or for chronic respiratory conditions like COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis), asthma, or bronchiectasis.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Élodie. 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. Élodie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady is preventing you from fully enjoying running your usual 5k route without knee pain, Élodie offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining improved circulation and tissue healing, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Élodie frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work? Élodie works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around your neighborhood for fresh air.

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

Élodie practices at the CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont), located in the Fleurimont West (Hospital Area) neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS) - Fleurimont and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). The clinic is wheelchair accessible, and free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What are CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont)'s operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (XYZ-123-4567) or check our website/online booking portal at [if available] for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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.

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

Québec's RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your individual eligibility with RAMQ and check with your private insurer for coverage details.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiothérapeute to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the scope and with your consent), soft tissue mobilization (massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and promote tissue healing.

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

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 appointment to confirm any specific requirements.

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

Phone: (819) 346-1110

Élodie Durand-Rouisse 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.