Marie-Pier Gagné – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Marie-Pier Gagné is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Action Sport Physio (Sherbrooke) 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). Her approach emphasizes understanding each patient’s unique needs, fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to take an active role in their recovery and wellness journey.

Marie-Pier's physiotherapy practice encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions affecting muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. She addresses everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Specializing in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, Marie-Pier tailors her care to help athletes of all levels—whether recreational or elite—return to their sport safely, enhance their performance, and prevent future injuries. Her dedication extends to serving older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, ensuring a wide range of patients benefit from her expertise.

With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Marie-Pier completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience. She has developed particular interests in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Sports Physiotherapy. Her practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies, working collaboratively to achieve their movement and functional goals. Fluent in French, Marie-Pier is able to communicate effectively and compassionately with her diverse patient community, ensuring everyone feels understood and supported throughout their rehabilitation process.

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

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Marie-Pier. 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 Action Sport Physio (Sherbrooke), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marie-Pier frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night? Marie-Pier works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again.
• Patients often come to Marie-Pier feeling defeated by that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience and resuming working on detailed woodworking projects in your shop without hand pain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Marie-Pier's clinic, common concerns like my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like managing your personal care routines independently.

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

Marie-Pier practices at Action Sport Physio (Sherbrooke), located in the vibrant Les Nations (Downtown East) neighborhood of Sherbrooke. The clinic is conveniently situated near Théâtre Granada, making it easily accessible for local residents and visitors alike. It is well-connected 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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiothérapeute will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiothérapeute, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

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, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check the specific requirements of your insurance plan before your first appointment.

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 a physiotherapy diagnosis, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) focused on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments, assisting physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, guiding exercises, and reporting progress.

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

In Quebec, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ, and patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Certain services received in public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered if specific criteria are met. It is advisable to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage details.

Action Sport Physio (Sherbrooke)
350, Rue Terrill, bureau 172
Sherbrooke, QC J1E 3S7

Phone: (819) 346-6060

Marie-Pier Gagné 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.