Isabelle Crepeau – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Isabelle Crepeau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont) in Sherbrooke, QC, Isabelle is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). She specializes in assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Her approach involves comprehensive assessments and tailored treatment plans that aim to optimize neurological recovery, promote independence, and facilitate community reintegration.

In addition to neurological rehabilitation, Isabelle also manages acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, including COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Her physiotherapy interventions in this domain include breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, exercise prescription, and patient education to improve respiratory function and overall health. Serving adults and seniors, Isabelle emphasizes a holistic approach that addresses both physical and functional aspects of her patients’ well-being through evidence-based practices.

Isabelle completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained extensive clinical experience with a focus on neurological and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy. She is committed to ongoing professional development, staying current with the latest research and techniques to ensure her patients receive the best possible care. Her practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through education, practical self-management strategies, and promoting long-term wellness. Isabelle is fluent in English and French, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population.

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

Long Covid

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Symptom Management: Physiotherapy support to help individuals recover from the long-term physical and functional impact of COVID-19, improve their daily function, energy levels, and overall quality of life through a personalized and cautious approach.

Cardioresp

• Asthma Management (Exercise-Induced & General Support): A chronic inflammatory condition of the airways causing recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, often triggered by allergens, irritants, cold air, or exercise (Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction - EIB).
• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Aiding your recovery, promoting heart health, and helping you achieve an active lifestyle after a cardiac condition through a structured physiotherapy component of cardiac rehab.
• Bronchiectasis Management (Airway Clearance): A chronic lung condition where the airways (bronchi) become permanently widened and damaged, leading to mucus buildup, recurrent chest infections, chronic cough, and breathlessness. Physiotherapy focuses primarily on airway clearance techniques.

Common Msk

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.

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

• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Receiving personalized physiotherapy care online through secure and interactive video sessions with your qualified Physiotherapist, including real-time exercise correction and tailored advice.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy to address persistent concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, and difficulty concentrating or tolerating activity.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Don't let that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work dictate what you can and cannot do. Isabelle offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain, helping you reclaim performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease and enjoy a more functional life.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain? Isabelle works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as competing effectively in your curling league games.
• Patients often come to Isabelle feeling defeated by difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function and resuming spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Isabelle practices at the CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont), located in the Fleurimont West (Hospital Area) neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated 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?

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, 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 to ensure coverage.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures with the appropriate qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments, assisting physiotherapists or physicians with implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress.

Does CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and Blue Cross. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate this process. If direct billing is not available for your plan, Isabelle will provide detailed official receipts that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. We recommend verifying your coverage, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductibles, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary widely. Patients are responsible for any portion not covered by their insurance.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used by a Physiothérapeute to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This includes joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic movements), joint manipulation (high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts when appropriate and within scope), soft tissue mobilization techniques (such as massage, myofascial release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, restore joint mobility, improve tissue flexibility, decrease muscle tension, and promote tissue healing and function.

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 limited coverage may be available through specific programs or for certain populations, such as seniors or low-income individuals receiving care in public institutions. Most outpatient physiotherapy services at private clinics are paid out-of-pocket or through private insurance. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and to check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont)
3001, 12e Avenue N
Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4

Phone: (819) 346-1110

Isabelle Crepeau 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.