About
Kathleen Nadeau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Pediatric Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont) in Sherbrooke, QC, Kathleen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves providing specialized physiotherapy services tailored for infants, children, and adolescents to address a range of developmental, orthopedic, and neurological challenges. Kathleen’s approach emphasizes early intervention, functional independence, and long-term wellness, ensuring that each young patient receives personalized therapy designed to promote optimal motor development and participation in daily life activities.
With a solid foundation in physiotherapy education and clinical experience, Kathleen has developed a keen interest in pediatric care. She continually advances her skills through ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices and innovative treatment techniques. Her expertise spans various pediatric conditions, including congenital issues like torticollis, developmental delays, sports injuries, and neurological conditions, enabling her to support children of all ages, from infants to 17 years old, in reaching their full potential.
Kathleen’s practice philosophy is rooted in a patient-centered approach, actively involving children and their families in treatment planning and goal setting. She promotes preventative care and encourages long-term health and mobility through education and proactive physiotherapy strategies. Fluent in both English and French, Kathleen is able to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations, ensuring comfort and clarity throughout the therapeutic process.
Kathleen Nadeau provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Developmental
- Coordination Challenges / Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) - Supportive Physiotherapy: Enhancing motor competence, body awareness, and confidence in children with coordination issues through fun and engaging physiotherapy activities tailored to their specific challenges and goals.
Pediatric
- Toe Walking (Idiopathic / Habitual): Physiotherapy interventions for habitual toe walking, which may include stretching tight calf muscles, strengthening other leg muscles, gait retraining exercises, sensory input strategies, and advice on footwear to encourage a heel-toe walking pattern.
- Developmental Delays (Gross Motor Skills): Physiotherapy support and intervention for infants and children with delayed physical development to help them achieve their motor potential through play-based activities and targeted exercises.
- Congenital Muscular Torticollis / Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome): A condition often present at or shortly after birth, where a baby's neck muscle (typically the sternocleidomastoid) is tight or shortened, causing the head to tilt to one side and rotate to the opposite side. Often associated with plagiocephaly (asymmetrical head shape or 'flat head syndrome') due to preferential head positioning.
- Pediatric Sports Injuries & Growing Pains (e.g., Osgood-Schlatter, Sever's Disease): Musculoskeletal injuries common in young, growing athletes due to overuse, rapid growth spurts, or acute trauma. Examples include Osgood-Schlatter disease (painful lump below the kneecap), Sever's disease (heel pain), Little League elbow/shoulder, and various sprains or strains.
Neurological
- Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Specialized physiotherapy exercises and movement strategies (e.g., LSVT BIG® principles, amplitude-based training, cueing techniques) to improve balance, gait (walking), posture, flexibility, coordination, and overall motor function in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Tailored rehabilitation programs focusing on restoring physical abilities, managing secondary complications, and improving quality of life for individuals post-TBI or ABI.
- 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.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Kathleen can assess your needs.
- Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
- 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: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pediatric Physiotherapy (Infants, Children & Adolescents): Working collaboratively with children and their families/caregivers to set meaningful goals, provide education and home programs, and optimize physical development and functional independence.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Kathleen. 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. Kathleen frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Physiotherapy with Kathleen can be a transformative turning point for those affected by feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be. The shared goal is achieving the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur, paving the way for you to enjoy taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes and a more active, vibrant life.
- Kathleen frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching your back.
- Rediscover your ability to handling your job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending without the constant burden of soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise. Kathleen focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Kathleen, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Kathleen practices at the CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont), situated in the Fleurimont West (Hospital Area) neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Bishop's University and is easily accessible via Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
- It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiothérapeute will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.
- What are CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont)'s operating hours?
- Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at 819-XXX-XXXX or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.
- What is CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont)'s appointment cancellation policy?
- We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee of 50% of the service cost or $50 may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.
- 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. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Public physiotherapy coverage may be available through certain programs or in public health facilities for specific cases. It is advisable to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for coverage details.
- Does CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?
- Yes, our clinic 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 at the time of your appointment. We recommend confirming coverage specifics with your insurer prior to your visit, including any annual maximums or deductibles.
- 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 treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments, assisting physiotherapists and physicians in delivering care and implementing treatment plans.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiothérapeute in QC?
- In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy to confirm any specific requirements before your first appointment.
CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont)
3001, 12e Avenue N
Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4
Phone: (819) 346-1110
Kathleen Nadeau 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.