Pier-Olivier Desmarais – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Pier-Olivier Desmarais is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS de L'Estrie-CHUS (CLSC) in Sherbrooke, QC, Pier-Olivier is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. He approaches each patient with empathy and a genuine desire to support their journey towards improved health and well-being. His focus is on creating a welcoming environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their recovery process.

Pier-Olivier's role encompasses addressing 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. He 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. His patient-centered approach ensures tailored treatment plans that align with each person's unique needs and goals.

With a solid educational background and clinical experience, Pier-Olivier has developed skills and a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. He is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices, ensuring his interventions are current and effective. Fluent in French, Pier-Olivier fosters clear communication and compassionate care, emphasizing collaboration and long-term wellness for his patients in Sherbrooke.

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

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

Common Msk

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• 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.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Pier-Olivier 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• 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.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Tailored exercises, hands-on techniques, and functional strategies to manage symptoms (e.g., spasticity, weakness, ataxia) and optimize function in various neurological conditions, promoting participation in daily life.

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

• Living with numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs doesn't have to be your norm. Pier-Olivier applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of keeping up with your team during our weekly soccer match.
• Patients often come to Pier-Olivier feeling defeated by that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms and resuming playing fetch with your dog in the park for an extended time becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity and achieved feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces under the skilled care of Pier-Olivier. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as taking group exercise classes at the community center with a new lease on life.

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

Pier-Olivier practices at the CIUSSS de L'Estrie-CHUS (CLSC), situated in the Fleurimont East neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Downtown Sherbrooke and is easily accessible via Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care received within a hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria. It's important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage details.

Is there parking available at or near CIUSSS de L'Estrie-CHUS (CLSC)?

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 restrictions and time limits.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Physiotherapy Technologist in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a master's level university education, granting them the autonomy to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma and supports physiotherapists by implementing treatment plans, assisting with exercises, and reporting progress. Both play vital roles in patient care.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

It is helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters, reports of imaging tests, a list of current medications, and your insurance information for direct billing. Wearing comfortable clothing is also recommended to facilitate assessment and treatment.

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 (known as direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It's advisable to check your insurance policy before your appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The required number of sessions varies based on your condition, severity, and personal goals. Your Physiothérapeute will discuss a treatment plan during your initial assessment and adjust it as needed based on your progress.

CIUSSS de L'Estrie-CHUS (CLSC)
1200, Rue King E
Sherbrooke, QC J1G 1E4

Phone: (819) 780-2220

Pier-Olivier Desmarais 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.