France Brouillard – Physiotherapist | Saint-Hyacinthe, QC

France Brouillard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Clinique de physio et d'ostéo St-Thomas D'Aquin in Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, France is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, offering tailored assessments and treatments that promote recovery, pain relief, and long-term wellness. France’s approach emphasizes evidence-based practices and personalized care plans to support her patients' unique needs and goals.

France's scope of practice includes managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, chronic conditions like arthritis, and post-surgical rehabilitation. She also provides specialized care for vestibular and balance disorders, offering assessments and treatments for dizziness, vertigo, and fall prevention caused by inner ear or central nervous system issues. Her services are designed to serve patients of all ages, from infants and young children to adults and seniors, ensuring comprehensive care across the lifespan.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, France has developed expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Vestibular Rehabilitation. Her commitment to staying current with the latest evidence and techniques allows her to deliver effective, safe, and compassionate physiotherapy care. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, France is dedicated to making her services accessible and understandable to diverse patient populations.

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

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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

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

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• 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.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• 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 France. 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 Clinique de physio et d'ostéo St-Thomas D'Aquin, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. France frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to France feeling defeated by knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns and resuming tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Physiotherapy with France can be a transformative turning point for those affected by trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The shared goal is achieving a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being, paving the way for you to enjoy playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids and a more active, vibrant life.
• Patients struggling with difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain can find dedicated and compassionate support from France. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.

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

France practices at Clinique de physio et d'ostéo St-Thomas D'Aquin, situated in a modern clinic located in the central Saint-Hyacinthe neighborhood of Saint-Hyacinthe. This private facility is conveniently positioned near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare. The clinic is well-connected by local public transit routes, providing accessible transportation options for residents and visitors alike. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiothérapeute will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiothérapeute about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

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 typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. Patients are advised to verify their eligibility directly with RAMQ and to check their private insurance plans for coverage details.

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 allows 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.

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 (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 specifics before your appointment.

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

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute (Physiotherapist) holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Clinique de physio et d'ostéo St-Thomas D'Aquin
6165, Boulevard Laframboise, # 101
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2R 1G2

Phone: (450) 796-1212 | Website: www.physioclinique.ca

France Brouillard 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.