Nicolas Cazzaro – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Nicolas Cazzaro is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Physio Atlas in Sherbrooke, QC, Nicolas is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). His approach revolves around addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-surgical conditions, with a focus on helping individuals recover function, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life. Nicolas's practice emphasizes tailored treatment plans that incorporate evidence-based interventions, ensuring each patient receives personalized and effective care.

He specializes in managing conditions affecting muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments, including acute injuries, chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. Nicolas also supports patients recovering from neurological events such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson’s Disease. His goal is to empower his patients through education and active involvement in their recovery process, guiding them towards achieving their functional goals and maintaining long-term wellness.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Nicolas has developed particular interests in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. He continuously updates his skills to incorporate the latest evidence-based practices. Fluent in both French and English, Nicolas values clear communication and strives to build collaborative, trusting relationships with his patients, fostering an environment of support and encouragement throughout their healing journey.

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

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• 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.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.

Hand & Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles'), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

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

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Effective therapy for various inner ear and balance disorders, including BPPV, vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis, unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction, Menière's disease (symptom management), and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD).
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.

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

• For those whose trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip has made easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips seem like a distant memory, Nicolas's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain? Nicolas works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.
• Patients struggling with feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be can find dedicated and compassionate support from Nicolas. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids.

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

Located in Sherbrooke's Jacques-Cartier (North) neighborhood, Nicolas practices at Physio Atlas, a modern private clinic dedicated to quality physiotherapy care. The clinic is conveniently situated near Plateau St-Joseph, making it easily accessible for residents in the area. It 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.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to see a Physiothérapeute, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

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

Generally, physiotherapy services provided in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ in Quebec. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. Some coverage may be available if treatment occurs within public hospitals or CLSC under specific conditions. It is recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and review your private insurance plans for possible reimbursement options.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at Physio Atlas treat?

Nicolas and his team treat a broad spectrum of conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries such as back and neck pain, joint problems like arthritis, sports injuries, and nerve-related issues. They also have expertise in neurological rehabilitation, pelvic health, and vestibular disorders like dizziness and vertigo. Their treatments often include manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education tailored to individual needs.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The required number of sessions varies depending on the individual's condition, severity, and personal goals. Nicolas will discuss an estimated treatment plan after the initial assessment and adjust it as needed based on your progress and response to therapy.

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 and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnosis, treatment planning, and interventions. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, assisting with treatments and patient guidance without diagnosing or creating treatment plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial session involves a comprehensive assessment, including discussing your medical history and current symptoms, followed by a physical examination. Based on the findings, Nicolas will provide a diagnosis or impression, discuss treatment options, and may initiate some interventions or give you a home exercise program to start your recovery.

Physio Atlas
20, Rue de Carillon
Sherbrooke, QC J1J 2K8

Phone: (818) 562-0868

Nicolas Cazzaro 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.