Francis Binette – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Francis Binette is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS de l'Estrie CHUS in Sherbrooke, QC, Francis is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. With a focus on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, Francis offers comprehensive assessment and treatment tailored to each patient's unique needs. His approach encompasses everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and post-operative rehabilitation. Francis also specializes in providing targeted care for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues, aiming to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and decrease fall risk. His services are designed to serve adults and seniors, ensuring a broad spectrum of community members benefit from his expertise.

Francis completed his degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that underpins his commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. He has developed particular skills and interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation. His dedication to continuous learning allows him to stay current with the latest therapeutic techniques and research, ensuring his patients receive effective and modern treatments. Francis's approach emphasizes personalized care, ensuring each treatment plan is tailored to the individual's condition, goals, and lifestyle.

Promoting preventative care and long-term wellness within the Sherbrooke community, Francis emphasizes empowering patients through education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. He believes in fostering active participation from his patients, encouraging them to take an active role in their recovery process. Francis is fluent in French, which allows him to communicate clearly and effectively with his diverse patient population, ensuring comprehensive understanding and comfort throughout the treatment process.

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.
• 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.

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

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• 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.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Francis. 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, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Francis frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache without the constant burden of soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise. Francis focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Are you finding that that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity stops you from enjoying playing a full game of recreational hockey with your friends? Francis is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Tired of experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy interfering with playing fetch with your dog in the park for an extended time? Francis uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Francis practices at the CIUSSS de l'Estrie CHUS, located in the Fleurimont East neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near Downtown Sherbrooke and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, and street parking along with nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors, ensuring accessible and flexible care for all patients.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiothérapeute will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

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 access physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

What is CIUSSS de L'Estrie CHUS's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee of approximately 50% of the service cost or a set amount (e.g., $50) may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or no-shows. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and to consult your private insurance plan for coverage details.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a 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 carry out a wide range of therapeutic interventions. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress. Both are regulated professions under the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

CIUSSS de L'Estrie CHUS
500, Rue Murray
Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2K6

Phone: (819) 346-3110

Francis Binette 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.