Marilee Pinard – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Marilee Pinard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Pelvic Health Focus). Practicing at CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont) in Sherbrooke, QC, Marilee is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves providing specialized assessment and treatment for conditions related to the pelvic floor and surrounding region for all genders. This includes issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal concerns. Marilee also assists individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. She serves patients of all ages, from infants and young children through to adults and seniors.

With a solid educational foundation and ongoing professional development, Marilee completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has cultivated a particular interest in Pelvic Health Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy. Her clinical experience has allowed her to refine her skills and stay current with evidence-based practices, ensuring her patients receive effective and compassionate care. Marilee's approach emphasizes a collaborative, respectful, and empowering environment where patients are active participants in their healing journey.

Her practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Marilee promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Sherbrooke community through proactive physiotherapy interventions. She is committed to evidence-based practice and continuous learning to provide the highest standard of care. Marilee is fluent in French, ensuring clear communication and personalized support for her diverse patient community.

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

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Physiotherapy focuses on improving balance, strength, sensation (where possible), reducing fall risk, managing pain, and providing education on foot care (especially for diabetic neuropathy) and adaptive strategies.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.

Common Msk

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

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

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Convenient access to expert physiotherapy services from the comfort of your home, office, or any location with an internet connection, ideal for those with busy schedules, living in remote areas, or preferring virtual care.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck? Marilee develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions). This is key to helping you get back to doing tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Patients often come to Marilee feeling defeated by difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching and resuming getting back to your regular, consistent gym workouts becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Marilee's clinic, common concerns like trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.

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

Marilee practices at the CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont), situated in the Fleurimont West (Hospital Area) neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Mont Bellevue Access and is accessible via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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?

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to attend physiotherapy, some private and extended health insurance plans do require a doctor’s note for reimbursement. It is advisable to check the specifics of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

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, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (such as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome), joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (like IT Band Syndrome), nerve pain, and pelvic health concerns. They often utilize treatments such as Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques, Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio), and patient education to help you reach your functional goals.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of hands-on interventions. Your Physiothérapeute may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, soft tissue massage, and joint manipulations when indicated. It’s a key part of helping your body move better.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is an essential component of most physiotherapy treatments. Your Physiothérapeute will prescribe exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises support your in-clinic therapy, help manage symptoms between sessions, and promote long-term recovery and self-management. Active participation in your home program is vital for optimal results.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services 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 specific criteria are met. It is important to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

Is there parking available at or near CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont)?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Additional street parking and paid parkades are also available nearby. Please check local signage for any restrictions or time limits.

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

Phone: (819) 346-1110

Marilee Pinard 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.