France Rochette – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

France Rochette is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Cégep de Sherbrooke in Sherbrooke, QC. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). With a focus on comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment strategies, France strives to address a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions. Her approach emphasizes restoring function, managing pain, and improving overall quality of life for her diverse range of patients, including athletes, seniors, and individuals recovering from injury or surgery.

France completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience that enhances her evidence-based practice. She continually updates her skills through ongoing professional development, ensuring her treatment methods incorporate the latest research and techniques. Her clinical expertise encompasses manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and innovative modalities aimed at optimizing patient outcomes. France’s dedication to excellence is reflected in her personalized care plans designed to meet each patient's unique needs and goals.

Guided by a philosophy of a patient-centered approach, France actively involves her patients in their treatment planning and goal setting. She believes in empowering individuals through education, promoting preventative care, and fostering long-term wellness within the Sherbrooke community. Fluent in English and French, France communicates effectively with her diverse patient population, ensuring clarity and comfort throughout the physiotherapy process.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue (periosteum) around the tibia, which requires rest, activity modification, and specific physiotherapy interventions for recovery.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Knee discomfort frequently experienced by runners, cyclists, and those involved in activities with repetitive knee bending, which physiotherapy can effectively manage through exercise and biomechanical correction.

Common Msk

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.

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

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• 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 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 Cégep de Sherbrooke, 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:

• Tired of that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity interfering with playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain? France uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand) and regain your freedom of movement.
• Patients struggling with feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older can find dedicated and compassionate support from France. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach, 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.
• Are you finding that widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia stops you from enjoying handling your job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending? France is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

France practices at Cégep de Sherbrooke, situated in the Les Nations (Downtown East) neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This Maison d'enseignement (public educational institution) is conveniently located near Carrefour de l'Estrie (Mall) and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

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, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm reimbursement eligibility.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments usually last between 45 to 60 minutes to allow for comprehensive evaluation and discussion. Follow-up sessions tend to be shorter, generally 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the patient's needs, condition complexity, and treatment plan.

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 coverage may exist for services received through public hospitals or CLSCs under specific conditions. For most private outpatient physiotherapy, patients pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. It is recommended to check your individual eligibility with RAMQ and review your private insurance policies for coverage details.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at Cégep de Sherbrooke treat?

They treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, nerve pain, and specific conditions like scoliosis managed through conservative, exercise-based approaches. Their treatments often involve manual therapy, neural mobilization techniques, therapeutic exercises, and patient education to help patients achieve their functional goals.

Cégep de Sherbrooke
475, Rue du Cégep
Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K1

Phone: (819) 564-6350

France Rochette 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.