Marie-Michèle Watt – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Marie-Michèle Watt is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Hôtel-Dieu de Sherbrooke - 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). Marie-Michèle’s approach emphasizes thorough assessment and personalized treatment plans designed to address a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions. Her goal is to help patients of all ages, including adults and seniors, restore optimal function, manage pain effectively, and improve their overall quality of life.

With a strong foundation in physiotherapy, Marie-Michèle completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that enhances her practice. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development and adheres to evidence-based practices to ensure her patients receive the best possible care. Her expertise encompasses a variety of treatment techniques, including manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education, which she tailors to each individual's unique needs.

Marie-Michèle’s practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Sherbrooke community through proactive physiotherapy. She believes in empowering her patients by providing clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies that foster lasting results. Fluent in both French and English, Marie-Michèle ensures effective communication and personalized care for a diverse patient population.

Marie-Michèle Watt provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): An overuse injury where the bone is unable to withstand repetitive mechanical loading, requiring a period of offloading and gradual rehabilitation guided by a physiotherapist for safe return to activity.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Injuries like a 'twisted ankle', 'knee ligament injury', or 'shoulder separation' (AC joint sprain) sustained during athletic activity or accidental falls.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Pain felt around, under, or behind the kneecap (patella), often described as a dull ache that is aggravated by activities like running, jumping, squatting, using stairs (especially going down), or prolonged sitting with the knee bent.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): A common cause of lateral knee pain in athletes, often linked to training errors, muscle imbalances (e.g., weak hip abductors), or poor biomechanics, which physiotherapy aims to address.

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

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Marie-Michèle. 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 Hôtel-Dieu de Sherbrooke - CHUS, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marie-Michèle frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Tired of aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk interfering with doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain? Marie-Michèle uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity and regain your freedom of movement.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Marie-Michèle can help you move beyond pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies. The focus is on successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as comfortably cooking and meal prepping for your family.
• Many find that an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak significantly impacts their ability to maintaining your balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails. Marie-Michèle helps patients target improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Marie-Michèle practices at the Hôtel-Dieu de Sherbrooke - CHUS, a prominent public healthcare facility situated in the Fleurimont East neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This location is conveniently placed near the Musée de la nature et des sciences de Sherbrooke, making it accessible for residents and visitors alike. The clinic is easily reachable via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS), ensuring convenient transit options for patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiothérapeute will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiothérapeute will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiothérapeute would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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. They are autonomous healthcare professionals authorized to perform patient assessments, establish a physiotherapy diagnosis, create and modify treatment plans, and apply a wide range of therapeutic interventions. This includes certain restricted activities if they hold the specific attestations (e.g., spinal manipulations, specific needle-based therapies). A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist or Phys. T.) holds a college-level (CEGEP) diploma in physiotherapy technology. They work under the supervision of, or based on a treatment plan established by, a physiotherapist or a physician. Technologists apply prescribed treatment modalities, guide patients through exercises, monitor progress, and adapt interventions within the established plan, but they do not diagnose or independently create treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

In Quebec, most physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally 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 check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at Hôtel-Dieu de Sherbrooke - CHUS treat?

Our Physiothérapeutes treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (Fibromyalgia), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (like Fibromyalgia), and nerve pain. They also have specialized skills in areas such as general physiotherapy practice, pelvic health, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Treatments often involve Postural Assessment and Correction, Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Hôtel-Dieu de Sherbrooke - CHUS
580, Rue Bowen S
Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2E8

Phone: (819) 346-1110

Marie-Michèle Watt 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.