Jean-Sébastien Boulay – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Jean-Sébastien Boulay is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at the CIUSSS de L'Estrie CHUS in Sherbrooke, 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). Jean-Sébastien's approach emphasizes a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs, fostering optimal recovery and long-term well-being.

His physiotherapy practice addresses a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including issues related to muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. This includes managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic pain conditions, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, Jean-Sébastien offers specialized assessment and treatment for TMJ/TMD, orofacial pain, and various types of headaches—such as cervicogenic, tension-type, and migraines—that often have a musculoskeletal component. His comprehensive approach ensures that each patient receives targeted care to restore function and reduce discomfort.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Jean-Sébastien has developed expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as TMJ, Headache, and Orofacial Pain Physiotherapy. His philosophy centers on empowering patients through education and practical self-management strategies, enabling them to take an active role in their recovery. Fluent in both French and English, Jean-Sébastien is able to effectively communicate and support a diverse range of patients in their journey toward better health.

Jean-Sébastien Boulay provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Restoring spinal function, core stability, and body mechanics post-operatively, ensuring a safe progression back to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Guidance on hip precautions (if applicable for your surgical approach), a progressive exercise program, and functional retraining after hip surgery to help you achieve your goals.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Tmj Headache

• Tinnitus (Musculoskeletal/TMJ-Related): Addressing jaw or neck issues (like muscle tension, joint dysfunction, or postural strain) that might be influencing or aggravating your tinnitus symptoms.
• Cervicogenic Headaches: Differentiating and effectively treating headaches that stem directly from problems in your neck joints or muscles.
• Migraines (Supportive Musculoskeletal Care): Supportive physiotherapy care as an adjunct to medical management for migraines, focusing on alleviating musculoskeletal triggers and improving overall physical well-being.
• Tension-Type Headaches: Physiotherapy for headaches caused by muscle tightness and trigger points in the neck, shoulders, scalp, and jaw muscles.

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

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Jean-Sébastien. 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. Jean-Sébastien frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients struggling with one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain can find dedicated and compassionate support from Jean-Sébastien. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.
• If facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) is preventing you from fully enjoying pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty, Jean-Sébastien offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Jean-Sébastien frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours.

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

Jean-Sébastien practices at the CIUSSS de L'Estrie CHUS, located in the Fleurimont East neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near Bishop's University and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, and free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute 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 should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It is common to experience some temporary soreness or mild symptom flare-ups after physiotherapy treatments, especially when starting new exercises or in the initial stages. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you notice a significant increase in pain, new neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness, or if soreness persists longer than expected, it is important to contact Jean-Sébastien or your healthcare provider promptly. They can advise on next steps and necessary reassessment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession focused on restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving overall function. A registered Physiothérapeute uses evidence-based techniques—including targeted exercises, manual therapy, and patient education—to assess, diagnose, and treat injuries and conditions affecting muscles, joints, nerves, and the cardiovascular system. It can help reduce pain, increase mobility, support recovery after surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance quality of life.

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 program, allowing them to assess patients, diagnose conditions, and develop comprehensive treatment plans independently. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie, however, holds a college diploma (DEC) and focuses on implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress under supervision.

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. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. Certain care within public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if specific criteria are met, but private outpatient physiotherapy remains the patient's responsibility. It is recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage details.

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

Phone: (819) 843-2572

Jean-Sébastien Boulay 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.