François Bernier Gravel – Physiotherapist | Brossard, QC

François Bernier Gravel is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at the CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (GMF Samuel-de-Champlain) CLSC in Brossard, QC. He is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). François’s approach emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of each patient's unique needs, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to optimize recovery, functional independence, and overall well-being.

Specializing in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, François focuses on the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of injuries affecting muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. His expertise includes managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain conditions, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. François also has a particular interest in sports physiotherapy, working with athletes of all levels—recreational to elite—to facilitate safe return to sport, improve performance, and prevent future injuries. His care is designed to serve adults and seniors, promoting mobility and functional independence across all stages of life.

François completed his degree in Physiotherapy and continuously advances his skills through ongoing professional development. With a focus on evidence-based practice, he has developed expertise in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, as well as sports physiotherapy. His practice philosophy is rooted in a strong commitment to collaborative care, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. François is fluent in French and English, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for a diverse patient population.

François Bernier Gravel provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Sports Injury

• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): An overuse injury affecting the lower leg, common in athletes, dancers, and military recruits, characterized by diffuse pain along the tibia.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Pain felt around, under, or behind the kneecap (patella), often described as a dull ache that is aggravated by activities like running, jumping, squatting, using stairs (especially going down), or prolonged sitting with the knee bent.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): A bone injury resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation due to repetitive mechanical loading, often seen in runners or athletes who rapidly increase their training.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

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

• Therapeutic & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid): Utilizing different taping methods, chosen by your therapist based on your specific needs, to assist with pain relief, support injured areas, reduce swelling, or improve proprioceptive feedback.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription (if offered/certified): Assessment for and provision of custom orthotics to help manage lower limb conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, Achilles tendinopathy, or leg length discrepancies.
• Orthopedic Bracing & Support Consultation/Fitting: Helping you choose and correctly use the best brace or support for your specific needs, ensuring proper fit and optimal benefit for your condition.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Baseline concussion testing (if offered by the clinic/practitioner) and evidence-based post-injury management to ensure a safe and effective recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by François. 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 CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (GMF Samuel-de-Champlain) CLSC, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. François frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from François, their physiotherapist, when my child walking on their toes most of the time starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks.
• The path to recovery from post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery and achieving experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life for getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting often starts with expert guidance. François, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• For those whose pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies has made playing fetch with your dog in the park for an extended time seem like a distant memory, François's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to playing fetch with your dog in the park for an extended time with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

François practices at the CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (GMF Samuel-de-Champlain) CLSC, situated in the Brossard neighborhood, specifically in the Quartier DIX30 area within Section L and Section O. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is easily accessible via the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, and free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby, making it simple for patients to attend their appointments without concern for transportation or accessibility barriers.

Does CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (GMF Samuel-de-Champlain) CLSC offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (GMF Samuel-de-Champlain) offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. It is advisable to confirm your coverage with your insurer, as some plans may have specific requirements or limitations. Patients are responsible for any portion not covered by their insurance.

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 diagnoses, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions, including some restricted activities with attestations. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding patients through exercises but does not diagnose or independently establish treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Some limited coverage may be available for specific populations or in certain public settings, but most outpatient physiotherapy is paid out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Patients should verify their eligibility directly with RAMQ and check their private insurance plans for coverage details.

Is there parking available at or near CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (GMF Samuel-de-Champlain) CLSC?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for designated patient spots. Additional street parking may be available on nearby streets, and a paid public parkade is located within walking distance. Please check local signage for parking restrictions.

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

No, in Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute via direct access without a referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance requirements before your appointment.

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

Many private insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend contacting your insurer before your appointment to understand your coverage, including annual maximums, co-payments, and whether a physician's referral is needed for reimbursement. If your plan allows, we can often bill your insurer directly, and you would pay any remaining co-pay or balance at the time of service. Please bring your insurance details to your first visit.

What are CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (GMF Samuel-de-Champlain) CLSC's operating hours?

The clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with some practitioners offering Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Specific hours may vary, so it is recommended to call the clinic or check online for the most current schedule and practitioner availability.

CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre (GMF Samuel-de-Champlain) CLSC
5811, Boulevard Taschereau, # 100
Brossard, QC J4Z 1A5

Phone: (450) 445-4452

François Bernier 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.