Julia Bruneau – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Julia Bruneau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at CIUSSS de L'Estrie-CHUS (CLSC) in Sherbrooke, QC, Julia is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes understanding each patient's unique needs and working collaboratively to develop effective treatment plans that foster recovery and long-term wellness.

Julia's physiotherapy focus is on the health and mobility of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain their strength, balance, and independence. She addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, including acute injuries such as sprains and strains, as well as chronic issues like arthritis and osteoporosis. Her goal is to help seniors reduce fall risks, manage age-related conditions, and enhance their overall quality of life through tailored interventions that promote mobility and functional ability.

With a solid educational background and extensive clinical experience, Julia has developed a particular interest in Geriatric Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal physiotherapy. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development, ensuring her practices are grounded in the latest evidence-based research. Julia's philosophy centers on a collaborative, compassionate approach, working closely with her patients to empower them in their recovery and wellness journey. She is fluent in French and English, ensuring clear communication with diverse patients.

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

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): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

Neurological

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurorehabilitation provided by a Physiotherapist to support functional recovery, improve independence in daily activities, and facilitate community reintegration after a head injury.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: A movement-based therapy approach, often guided by principles of motor learning and de-emphasis on presumed damage, to help individuals with FND regain voluntary control over their physical symptoms and improve confidence in their movements.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurological rehabilitation provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to help individuals regain independence, maximize their recovery potential, and adapt to any residual impairments following a stroke.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: May include specific facial exercises, neuromuscular re-education (PNF for the face), biofeedback, electrical stimulation (if appropriate), massage, and strategies to improve facial movement, symmetry, reduce synkinesis (unwanted movements), and manage eye care.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.

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

• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.

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

• Don't let recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist dictate what you can and cannot do. Julia offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community, helping you reclaim attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation and enjoy a more functional life.
• Struggling with the frustration of recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches? Julia develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas. This is key to helping you get back to doing working on detailed woodworking projects in your shop without hand pain with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Are you finding that shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult stops you from enjoying carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably? Julia is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Julia practices at the CIUSSS de L'Estrie-CHUS (CLSC), located in the Fleurimont East neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near Mont Bellevue Access and is easily accessible via Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiothérapeute would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiothérapeute to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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

Coverage for physiotherapy under RAMQ varies. Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered, and patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. However, some specific programs or circumstances, such as post-hospitalization or for certain low-income seniors, might be eligible for partial coverage. It is important to verify your individual eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult your private extended health insurance plans for potential reimbursement.

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 specific requirements.

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, allowing them to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They are also qualified to perform advanced procedures if additional qualifications are met. Conversely, a Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) with specialized training in implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, and applying modalities under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician. Both roles are essential to delivering effective physiotherapy care.

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

Phone: (819) 780-2220

Julia Bruneau 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.