Lionel Hugonnier – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Lionel Hugonnier is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont) in Sherbrooke, QC, Lionel is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. His approach to physiotherapy emphasizes a thorough assessment, personalized treatment plans, and a collaborative process with his patients to restore optimal function and reduce pain. Lionel’s role involves addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation.

With a strong focus on athletic injuries, Lionel specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of sports-related conditions. His care is tailored to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Lionel’s experience and ongoing professional development allow him to incorporate evidence-based practices into his treatments, ensuring his patients receive the most effective and current physiotherapy interventions.

Lionel completed his degree in Physiotherapy and has cultivated extensive clinical experience. He has developed particular interest and skills in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy. His practice philosophy is rooted in a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Lionel is fluent in English, Spanish, and French, enabling him to communicate effectively with a diverse range of patients and foster a welcoming, community-focused environment.

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

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.

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

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Baseline concussion testing (if offered by the clinic/practitioner) and evidence-based post-injury management to ensure a safe and effective recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• 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.

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

• Many find that experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy significantly impacts their ability to competing effectively in your curling league games. Lionel helps patients target feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• At Lionel's physiotherapy practice, individuals with that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away are guided towards implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Lionel can help you move beyond trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain. The focus is on decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.

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

Located within the CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont), Lionel's practice is situated in the Fleurimont West (Hospital Area) neighborhood of Sherbrooke. The clinic is conveniently positioned near the Commercial Corridor North, making it easily accessible for residents in the region. The facility is well-connected via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS), ensuring convenient transit options for patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 rely on private insurance. Certain care received directly within public hospitals or CLSCs might be covered, but outpatient private physiotherapy services are usually not reimbursed by RAMQ. It is advisable to verify your specific eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private or extended health insurance plans for coverage.

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 a set amount like $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.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy details before your first appointment to confirm any specific requirements.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider before your appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Key considerations include your annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required, and if direct billing is available. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. Otherwise, you will pay at the time of service and submit a claim to your insurer afterward.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree in physiotherapy, allowing them to perform assessments, diagnosis, treatment planning, and certain restricted procedures. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college-level diploma and works under supervision, applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress, but does not diagnose or independently establish treatment plans. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont) treat?

Our Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues such as back and neck pain, joint problems like arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, nerve pain, and conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, modalities like ultrasound or electrotherapy, and patient education to support functional goals.

CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont)
3001, 12e Avenue N
Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4

Phone: (819) 346-1110 | Website: icussse-chus@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

Lionel Hugonnier 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.