Émilie-Maude Gravel – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Émilie-Maude Gravel is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Cigonia centre de rééducation périnéale & pédiatrique in Sherbrooke, QC, Émilie-Maude is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach revolves around understanding each patient's unique needs and fostering a supportive environment where clients feel empowered and informed throughout their healing journey.

Émilie-Maude's physiotherapy practice encompasses addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, she provides specialized assessment and treatment for conditions related to the pelvic floor and surrounding region for all genders, including issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal concerns.

Serving older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors alike, Émilie-Maude emphasizes personalized care tailored to each stage of life. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures that her treatments reflect the latest evidence-based practices. Fluent in both French and English, Émilie-Maude strives to create an inclusive, welcoming community-focused environment where every patient can achieve their health and wellness goals with confidence.

Émilie-Maude Gravel provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.

Back & Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).

Arthritis

• 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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• 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.

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

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Perineal & Pelvic Pain Rehabilitation: Individualized physiotherapy interventions for a variety of complex pelvic conditions, focusing on identifying and treating the underlying musculoskeletal and neuromuscular contributors to your pain.
• Biofeedback for Pelvic Floor Muscle Retraining: A technique to help you learn how to effectively and efficiently use your pelvic floor muscles, making your exercises more targeted and successful.
• Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (Assessment & Treatment - Internal exams where authorized/applicable and with consent): Comprehensive and confidential care for a range of pelvic health concerns, utilizing evidence-based techniques including specific exercises (Kegels and beyond), manual therapy, biofeedback, and education.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Émilie-Maude. 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 Cigonia centre de rééducation périnéale & pédiatrique, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Émilie-Maude frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many find that my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking significantly impacts their ability to resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely. Émilie-Maude helps patients target reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Émilie-Maude's clinic, common concerns like recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.
• Tired of trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain interfering with attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout? Émilie-Maude uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Situated within the reputable Cigonia centre de rééducation périnéale & pédiatrique, Émilie-Maude's practice is conveniently located in Sherbrooke's vibrant neighborhood. The clinic is easily accessible and situated near the Marché de la Gare, a popular local hub, making it easy for patients to find and visit. The clinic is well-connected via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS), providing public transit options for easy access. Our facility is wheelchair accessible, and street parking along with nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for all.

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 process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to begin physiotherapy treatment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider beforehand to understand their specific requirements 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 has completed a master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. Conversely, a Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They assist in implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising physiotherapist or physician.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is ideal—think of what you'd wear to the gym or for light exercise. For lower-body treatments, shorts are helpful, while for upper-body issues, a tank top or loose T-shirt allows proper examination and treatment access.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to improving movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiothérapeute uses evidence-based methods such as targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to diagnose and treat injuries and impairments across muscles, joints, nerves, and the cardiovascular system. It helps reduce pain, enhance mobility, recover from surgeries, prevent injuries, and improve quality of life.

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

Many private insurance plans offer coverage—full or partial—for physiotherapy services. It is recommended to contact your insurer before your appointment to confirm coverage details, including maximum allowances, co-payments, and whether a referral is needed for reimbursement. If your plan allows, our clinic can often bill your insurer directly, reducing out-of-pocket expenses at the time of service. Be sure to bring your insurance card and policy information to your first visit.

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. Some limited coverage exists for specific cases such as post-hospitalization or certain low-income or senior programs. Most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are paid out-of-pocket or covered by private insurance. Care received directly in public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if meeting their criteria. Patients are advised to verify their eligibility with RAMQ and check their private insurance plans for coverage options.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Absolutely. Physiotherapy not only treats current issues but also emphasizes prevention. Émilie-Maude can assess your movement patterns, identify weaknesses or imbalances, and develop personalized exercise and management strategies. This proactive approach is especially beneficial for athletes, active individuals, or anyone aiming to maintain musculoskeletal health and avoid future injuries or recurring pain.

Cigonia centre de rééducation périnéale & pédiatrique
2845, Rue King O
Sherbrooke, QC J1L 1C6

Phone: (819) 821-3434 | Website: www.cigonia.com

Émilie-Maude Gravel 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.