Léonie Lapierre – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Léonie Lapierre is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CIUSSS de L'Estrie CHUS in Sherbrooke, QC. She 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). Léonie’s approach emphasizes understanding each patient's unique needs and working collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans that promote recovery, restore mobility, and improve overall well-being.

With a focus on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, Léonie assists individuals in recovering function after injuries or surgeries, managing chronic pain, and enhancing their quality of life. She specializes in helping patients with conditions such as arthritis, post-stroke rehabilitation, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Her compassionate approach ensures that each patient feels supported and empowered throughout their healing journey.

Léonie completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience, which she continuously enhances through ongoing professional development. She has developed particular expertise in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, as well as neurological rehabilitation. Léonie’s philosophy centers on empowering her patients through education and practical strategies, fostering a collaborative environment where patients are active participants in their recovery. She is fluent in French, facilitating effective communication and personalized care for her diverse community.

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

Common Msk

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Improving safety, function, and quality of life for those with impaired sensation or strength due to various types of peripheral neuropathy.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Addressing conditions affecting nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, aiming to relieve pressure on the nerve, reduce inflammation, restore normal nerve function, and alleviate symptoms.

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

• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Evidence-based neurological rehabilitation focused on harnessing neuroplasticity, motor learning principles, and task-specific training to help regain lost skills and adapt to new ways of moving.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Léonie, their physiotherapist, when soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching your back.
• Léonie believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery is hindering your ability to playing fetch with your dog in the park for an extended time, a personalized plan focusing on achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach can make all the difference.
• Léonie 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 improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.

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

Léonie 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 the Commercial Corridor North, providing easy access for patients from the surrounding community. The clinic is accessible via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS), making public transit a practical option for many. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, with street parking and nearby paid lots offering convenient options for visitors.

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, while a referral is not legally required to start physiotherapy, 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.

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

It’s helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests such as X-rays or MRIs related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing. Wearing comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

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 usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy is typically not included. It is recommended to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

Is there parking available at or near CIUSSS de L'Estrie CHUS?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Metered street parking is generally available on nearby streets, and there is also a paid public parkade located one block east of our clinic. Always check signage for parking restrictions and time limits.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is ideal. Think about what you might wear to a gym or light exercise session. For lower-body issues like hip or knee pain, shorts are very helpful. For upper-body concerns such as shoulder or neck pain, a tank top or loose T-shirt allows the Physiothérapeute to properly examine and treat the area.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Technologue en physiothérapie in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master’s level university education, enabling them to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and focuses on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments, assisting in implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, and applying modalities under supervision.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. It’s recommended to contact your insurer before your appointment to understand your coverage limits, co-payments, and whether a referral is needed for reimbursement. We can often bill your insurer directly if your plan allows, or provide an official receipt for you to submit. Please bring your insurance details to your first visit.

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

Phone: (819) 780-2220

Léonie Lapierre 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.