Renée Bigras – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Renée Bigras is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Université Laval, Département réadaptation in Québec, QC. Renée is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her practice is focused on addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament issues. Whether managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains or providing ongoing care for chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation, Renée’s approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's needs. Her goal is to help patients regain optimal function, reduce pain, and return to their active lifestyles with confidence.

Renée specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Her expertise is geared towards helping athletes of all levels—from recreational participants to elite competitors—return safely to their sport, improve performance, and prevent future injuries. She serves a diverse clientele, including older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, ensuring comprehensive care across all age groups. Renée’s dedication to continuous professional development ensures she stays current with the latest evidence-based practices, integrating innovative techniques to optimize patient outcomes.

With a strong philosophy rooted in evidence-based practice and lifelong learning, Renée empowers her patients through clear education about their conditions and practical strategies for self-management. She believes in promoting preventative care and long-term wellness within the Québec community through proactive physiotherapy. Renée is fluent in both English and French, enabling her to communicate effectively with a broad range of patients and provide culturally sensitive care tailored to individual needs.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.

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.

Sports Injury

• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Dull or aching pain in the front or inner part of the shin that can become sharp with activity, often felt during or after exercise.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): A common overuse injury in active individuals and athletes, sometimes referred to as 'runner's knee' or 'anterior knee pain', often related to biomechanical issues in how the kneecap tracks.

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

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Orthopedic Bracing & Support Consultation/Fitting: Assessment by your Physiotherapist for and fitting of orthopedic braces or supports (custom or off-the-shelf) to stabilize joints, manage injuries (e.g., ligament tears, osteoarthritis, instability), protect healing tissues, and facilitate safe activity participation.
• Therapeutic & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid): Skilled application of specialized therapeutic tapes to support your recovery, facilitate healing, reduce strain on injured structures, and enhance your performance or confidence during movement.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription (if offered/certified): Comprehensive evaluation by a qualified Physiotherapist of your foot mechanics, lower limb alignment, and gait pattern to determine the need for custom-made foot orthotics.

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

• With Renée's help, managing needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity to achieve feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk and achieved a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience under the skilled care of Renée. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house with a new lease on life.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Renée can help you move beyond pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard. The focus is on less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as playing a full game of recreational hockey with your friends.

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

Renée's practice at Université Laval, Département réadaptation, is situated within a modern clinic in the central Québec neighborhood of Québec. This Maison d'enseignement (public institution) facility offers a convenient location for patients, being close to various community services and pharmacies. Easily accessible via local public transit routes, the clinic is designed to accommodate patients with mobility needs. 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.

How can I book an appointment at Université Laval, Département réadaptation?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (418) 656-2131 during business hours. Many practitioners also offer online booking through the university's website. The friendly reception team will assist in scheduling a suitable time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral might not be legally required to initiate physiotherapy care, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy beforehand.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private outpatient physiotherapy typically is not. Patients are encouraged to verify their eligibility for any public coverage directly with RAMQ and to review their private insurance plans for coverage details.

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

To facilitate your first session, please bring your health card, any relevant referral letters, reports of imaging tests (X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds), a list of current medications, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card or policy details) if available for direct billing. Wearing comfortable, loose clothing is also recommended to allow easy assessment and treatment.

Université Laval, Département réadaptation
1050, Avenue de la Médecine, Local 4431, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry
Québec, QC G1V 0A6

Phone: (418) 656-2131

Renée Bigras 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.