Karine Cousineau – Physiotherapy Technologist | Sherbrooke, QC

Karine Cousineau is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CIUSSS de l'Estrie CHUS in Sherbrooke, QC, Karine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She plays a vital role in supporting patients' recovery processes by assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding individuals through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to promote healing and functional improvement.

With a focus on providing compassionate and effective physiotherapy services, Karine serves a diverse patient population, including many senior patients. Her approach emphasizes understanding each person's unique needs and fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered and motivated to achieve their health goals. She believes that a personalized, empathetic approach is essential for optimal outcomes and long-term wellness.

Karine completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience, which she continuously expands through ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. She has developed particular expertise in therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring. Fluent in French, Karine is dedicated to communicating clearly and compassionately, ensuring her patients are always well-informed and comfortable throughout their physiotherapy journey.

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

Common Msk

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.

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

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.

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

• Living with post-operative stiffness and weakness that’s slowing down my recovery doesn't have to be your norm. Karine applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica? Karine works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing.
• Many individuals seek help from Karine, their physiotherapist, when difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like enduring your daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness.

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

Karine practices at the CIUSSS de l'Estrie CHUS, situated in the Fleurimont West (Hospital Area) neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Plateau St-Joseph and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). The clinic is designed to accommodate all patients comfortably, with wheelchair accessibility and ample parking generally available close to the entrance, ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone seeking care.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.) directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to *see* a physiotherapy technologist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your specific insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

Does CIUSSS de L'Estrie CHUS offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CIUSSS de L'Estrie CHUS offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies, such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing is not available for your plan, the clinic provides official receipts that you can submit for reimbursement. We recommend confirming your coverage with your insurer prior to your visit, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, as plans vary and patients are responsible for any portion not covered.

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 and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, develop, and modify treatment plans independently, including some restricted activities. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision or based on a treatment plan established by a physiotherapist or physician. They apply prescribed modalities, guide exercises, monitor progress, but do not diagnose or create treatment plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

To ensure a smooth first visit, please bring your health card, any relevant referral letters, results from imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, a list of current medications, and your insurance information for direct billing if available. Wearing comfortable clothing can also facilitate assessment and treatment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapy Technologist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Techniques include joint mobilizations, joint manipulations (when appropriate and within scope), soft tissue mobilizations like massage and trigger point release, and neural mobilizations. The primary goals are pain reduction, improved mobility, restoring joint mechanics, decreasing muscle tension, and supporting tissue repair.

What are CIUSSS de L'Estrie CHUS's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with some practitioners offering Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary depending on the practitioner and day. Please contact the clinic directly at (phone number) or visit our website for the most current schedule and availability.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Some coverage may be available if the care is received within public hospitals or CLSCs under specific conditions. For most private outpatient physiotherapy, patients should verify their coverage with their private insurer and consider private insurance plans for reimbursement.

CIUSSS de L'Estrie CHUS
1036, Rue Belvédère S, Pavillon D'Youville
Sherbrooke, QC J1H 4C4

Phone: (819) 780-2220

Karine Cousineau 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.