Patricia Béland – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Patricia Béland is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS in Sherbrooke, QC, Patricia is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes understanding each individual's unique needs and working collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans that promote recovery, mobility, and overall well-being.

Patricia's physiotherapy practice addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She also assists individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing their quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Patricia’s compassionate approach ensures that patients of all ages, including senior patients, feel supported and empowered throughout their healing journey.

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Patricia completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that fuels her ongoing professional development. She has developed particular expertise and interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. Fluent in both English and French, Patricia fosters a warm, community-focused environment where patients are actively involved in their care, promoting preventative strategies and long-term wellness for the Sherbrooke community.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• 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).

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.

Common Msk

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.

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

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.

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

• Many find that needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity significantly impacts their ability to participating fully in your martial arts practice, including sparring. Patricia helps patients target seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio) with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints)? Patricia works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.
• The journey to successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines when faced with persistent difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain is made smoother and more effective with Patricia's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.

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

Patricia practices at the CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS, located in the Fleurimont East neighborhood of Sherbrooke. The facility is situated near the Commercial Corridor North, making it easily accessible for patients in the area. The clinic is conveniently reachable via Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS), ensuring that public transportation options are available for those who prefer to travel that way. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Patricia or your healthcare provider directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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?

Most physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered directly by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Coverage might be available in specific circumstances, such as within public hospitals, CLSCs, or certain programs for seniors or low-income individuals. It is advisable to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

Does CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, the clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers, including Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and Blue Cross. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate the process. If direct billing is not available for your provider, we will provide detailed receipts that you can submit for reimbursement. It’s recommended to confirm your coverage and any limits directly with your insurance provider before your appointment.

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, known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first visit to ensure coverage and reimbursement eligibility.

CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS
300, Rue King E
Sherbrooke, QC J1G 1B1

Phone: (819) 780-2220

Patricia Béland 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.