François Cabana – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

François Cabana is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Cégep de Sherbrooke in Sherbrooke, QC, François is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. He provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including issues involving muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. François’s approach encompasses both acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain management, arthritis care, and post-operative rehabilitation, ensuring each patient receives tailored support to restore their optimal function.

François's expertise extends to specialized physiotherapy interventions for jaw pain (TMJ/TMD), orofacial pain, and various headache types, including cervicogenic and tension headaches that have a musculoskeletal component. Serving a diverse range of patients, François prioritizes understanding each individual's unique needs and goals. His gentle, empathetic approach fosters a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable throughout their recovery journey, emphasizing education, empowerment, and active participation in their healing process.

With a solid foundation in physiotherapy education and ongoing professional development, François has developed skills and particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as TMJ, Headache, and Orofacial Pain Physiotherapy. His commitment to evidence-based practices ensures that patients benefit from the latest advancements and personalized treatment strategies. François is fluent in English and French, facilitating clear communication and a comfortable therapeutic experience for his diverse patient population.

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

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.

Tmj Headache

• Migraines (Supportive Musculoskeletal Care): While physiotherapy doesn't 'cure' migraines, it can be a valuable part of a multidisciplinary management plan by helping to manage musculoskeletal contributing factors or secondary issues (like neck tension, postural strain, or TMJ dysfunction) that may trigger or worsen migraines in some individuals.
• Cervicogenic Headaches: Differentiating and effectively treating headaches that stem directly from problems in your neck joints or muscles.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction / TMD: Restoring normal function and reducing pain in your temporomandibular joint and associated structures through targeted physiotherapy interventions.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• 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.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. François 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.
• Dry Needling / Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS): IMS or dry needling used as part of a comprehensive physiotherapy treatment plan for various musculoskeletal conditions, such as chronic back pain, neck pain, tendinopathies, or sports injuries.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction / TMD Physiotherapy: Helping you find relief from jaw pain, improve your ability to eat and speak comfortably, and manage dysfunction related to your temporomandibular joint through targeted physiotherapy.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• 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.

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 Cégep de Sherbrooke, 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:

• François frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• Many find that facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) significantly impacts their ability to playing your musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods. François helps patients target feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Discover how physiotherapy with François can help you move beyond working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery. The focus is on being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing.

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

François practices at Cégep de Sherbrooke, situated in the Les Nations (Downtown East) neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This Maison d'enseignement (public educational facility) is conveniently located near Carrefour de l'Estrie (Mall) and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). The location offers a welcoming environment for patients seeking quality physiotherapy care. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiothérapeute will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

Is there parking available at or near Cégep de Sherbrooke?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

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, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm their requirements.

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 permits 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.

What is Cégep de Sherbrooke'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 may be charged for late cancellations or no-shows without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received in public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered under specific circumstances. It is recommended to verify your coverage directly with RAMQ or your insurance provider.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Physiotherapy Technologist in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, allowing them to assess patients, diagnose, and develop treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and assists physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, helping with exercises, and reporting progress, but does not diagnose or develop treatment plans independently.

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

Phone: (819) 564-6350

François Cabana 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.