Sandra Brunelle

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

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.

Neurological

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Comprehensive physiotherapy focusing on improving strength in available muscles, enhancing functional mobility, and promoting health and wellness after a spinal cord injury.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Utilizing evidence-based neuroplasticity principles, motor relearning techniques, and task-specific training to help stroke survivors improve movement and achieve their functional goals.

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

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• 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.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for concussion recovery, including initial assessment of symptoms (headache, dizziness, etc.), management of associated neck pain or dysfunction, vestibular and oculomotor (eye movement) rehabilitation, and guided, gradual return-to-learn, work, and sport protocols.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Sandra to witness patients conquer dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) and experience being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain again.
• Rediscover your ability to getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting without the constant burden of swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment. Sandra focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Struggling with the frustration of a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck? Sandra develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity. This is key to helping you get back to doing setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Sandra's practice is located at CISSS CA (CLSC de Thetford-Mines), situated in a central area of Thetford Mines. The clinic is housed within a public healthcare facility that offers convenient access to community services and pharmacies. It is easily reachable via local public transit routes, making it accessible for most patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiothérapeute can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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 rely on private insurance. Some services may be covered if received within a hospital or CLSC meeting specific criteria. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance plans for coverage details.

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

It’s not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or mild symptom flare-up after physiotherapy, especially when starting new exercises. Usually, this resolves within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant increase in pain, neurological symptoms, or soreness that persists, contact Sandra or your healthcare provider promptly to reassess your condition and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows ease of movement is ideal, such as gym wear or light exercise attire. For lower-body treatments, shorts are helpful; for upper-body, a loose shirt or tank top to facilitate proper examination and treatment.

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, diagnoses, and create treatment plans. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises without diagnosing or establishing plans independently. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

What are CISSS CA (CLSC de Thetford-Mines)'s operating hours?

CISSS CA (CLSC de Thetford-Mines) is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary depending on the practitioner and day. Please call the clinic at [insert phone number] or visit our website for the most current hours and booking options.

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

In Quebec, patients can generally see a Physiothérapeute directly without a referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a physician's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment.

CISSS CA (CLSC de Thetford-Mines)
17, Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, bureau 100
Thetford Mines, QC G6G 1J1

Phone: (418) 335-3732 | Website: cisssca.com

Sandra Brunelle 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.