Georgio Kassab – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Georgio Kassab is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS de L'Estrie-CHUS (CLSC) in Sherbrooke, QC, Georgio is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. His focus is on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including issues involving muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Whether dealing with acute injuries like sprains and strains, managing chronic pain, or providing arthritis care, Georgio tailors each treatment plan to meet the individual needs of his patients. Additionally, he specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, ensuring athletes of all levels—from recreational to elite—return safely to their sport, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries.

Georgio's extensive education and clinical experience underpin his evidence-based approach. Having completed his degree in Physiotherapy, he continually updates his skills through ongoing professional development. His particular interests include Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy, allowing him to deliver comprehensive care rooted in the latest practices. Georgio believes in empowering his patients through education and practical self-management strategies, fostering lasting results and improved quality of life.

His practice philosophy revolves around a patient-centered methodology, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Georgio emphasizes clear communication, evidence-based interventions, and continuous learning to provide the highest standard of care. He is fluent in French, English, and Arabic, enabling him to connect effectively with a diverse patient population and ensure understanding and comfort throughout the treatment process.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

Sports Injury

• 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): 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): Localized bone pain that typically worsens with activity and is relieved by rest, often accompanied by tenderness to touch over the affected bone.

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

• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• 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.
• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.

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

• Living with dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash doesn't have to be your norm. Georgio applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• The journey to much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls when faced with persistent wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night is made smoother and more effective with Georgio's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like getting back to your regular, consistent gym workouts.
• When feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house, physiotherapy with Georgio can help you work towards improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Georgio practices at the CIUSSS de L'Estrie-CHUS (CLSC), situated in the Fleurimont East neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor North and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to initiate physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment.

How can I book an appointment at CIUSSS de L'Estrie-CHUS (CLSC)?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (819) 780-2222 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiothérapeute can properly examine and treat the area.

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).

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. Care received in a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting their criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy is typically not included. It is important to verify your specific eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if tissues are sensitive or inflamed. Your Physiothérapeute will work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly, and encourage feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, inform your therapist immediately to ensure your comfort and safety.

CIUSSS de L'Estrie-CHUS (CLSC)
1200, Rue King E
Sherbrooke, QC J1G 1E4

Phone: (819) 780-2222

Georgio Kassab 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.