Lorie Comtois – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Lorie Comtois is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Lorie Comtois - Travailleuse autonome in Sherbrooke, QC. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). With a compassionate approach, she focuses on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. Her expertise encompasses everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Lorie’s tailored care aims to help her patients regain their mobility and improve their quality of life.

Specializing in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, Lorie serves children, adolescents, and adults. Whether you are an active athlete or someone managing everyday discomfort, she designs personalized treatment plans to support your unique needs and goals. Her approach emphasizes empowering patients through education and practical strategies, ensuring that each individual is actively involved in their recovery process.

With a solid foundation in physiotherapy education and ongoing professional development, Lorie has developed particular interest and skills in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy. Her experience is complemented by a philosophy that values collaboration, transparency, and patient empowerment. Lorie is fluent in French and English, ensuring clear communication and comfort for her diverse patient community.

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

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): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

Sports Injury

• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Damage to muscle tissue that can range from minor micro-tears to more significant partial or complete tears, impacting strength, power, and range of motion.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): An overuse injury resulting from repetitive friction of the IT band over the lateral femoral epicondyle (at the knee) or greater trochanter (at the hip).

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

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

• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Specialized and progressive physiotherapy care for athletes of all levels, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, sport-specific exercise, and safe, timely return-to-sport protocols.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiothérapeute to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Sports Performance Enhancement & Injury Prevention: Strategies and training programs to fine-tune your physical capabilities, improve sport-specific skills, and ensure you are well-prepared for the demands of your sport.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Gait Analysis & Running/Walking Re-training: Helping you move better and reduce injury risk by analyzing and correcting your walking or running technique, addressing issues like overpronation, hip drop, or poor cadence.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Lorie. 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 Lorie Comtois - Travailleuse autonome, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Lorie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• When feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain, physiotherapy with Lorie can help you work towards learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• For those whose feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems has made enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again seem like a distant memory, Lorie's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Are you finding that my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) stops you from enjoying going on birdwatching outings in various terrains? Lorie is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Lorie's practice at 'Lorie Comtois - Travailleuse autonome' is situated in the Fleurimont West (Hospital Area) neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This private home care and services facility is conveniently located near Carrefour de l'Estrie (Mall) and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). The clinic offers a welcoming environment designed for your comfort and privacy. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiothérapeute can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can also perform certain advanced procedures if they have the required additional qualifications. A Technologue en physiothérapie, on the other hand, has a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments. They play a crucial role in delivering care by implementing treatment plans designed by a physiotherapist or physician, assisting patients with their exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress back to the supervising professional.

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, 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 verify your insurance policy's specific requirements before your first visit. Regardless, physiotherapy services can be accessed promptly to support your health and recovery.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or seek coverage through private insurance plans. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC (if meeting their criteria) may be covered. It is recommended to check with RAMQ and your private insurer to understand your specific coverage options.

What is Lorie Comtois - Travailleuse autonome'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 equivalent to 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.

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 directly before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Key points to verify include your annual maximum, per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if the clinic can bill your insurer directly. If direct billing is available and your plan allows it, we can bill your insurer for the covered portion, and you would be responsible for any remaining balance or co-payment at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment.

How can I book an appointment at Lorie Comtois - Travailleuse autonome?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (819) 555-1234 during business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer online booking through our website. Our friendly staff will assist you in finding a suitable time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Lorie Comtois - Travailleuse autonome
1310, Rue Massé
Sherbrooke, QC J1H 2V6

Phone: (514) 623-6225

Lorie Comtois 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.