Sandro Biscaro – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Sandro Biscaro is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at CISSS de l'Outaouais - Hôpital Papineau in Gatineau, QC. Sandro is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). His approach emphasizes comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plans designed to support recovery, improve mobility, and manage symptoms effectively. Sandro’s clinical practice focuses on addressing a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-surgical conditions, ensuring that each patient receives tailored therapy aimed at restoring function and enhancing quality of life.
Sandro's role extends to assisting individuals of all ages, including adults and seniors, in overcoming various health challenges. His expertise encompasses treating acute injuries such as sprains and strains, chronic pain conditions like arthritis, and providing post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, Sandro specializes in neurological physiotherapy, helping patients recover from events such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s Disease. His holistic and evidence-based approach ensures that each patient benefits from safe, effective interventions aimed at achieving optimal health outcomes.
With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Sandro has developed a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. He has gained valuable clinical experience that informs his practice, ensuring that his interventions are grounded in the latest research and best practices. Sandro is fluent in both English and French, facilitating clear communication and fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship with his diverse patient population.

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

Post Surgical

• 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-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.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.

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

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• 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: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• 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.

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

• Many find that widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia significantly impacts their ability to participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf. Sandro helps patients target being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• With Sandro's help, managing that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away to achieve restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids.
• At Sandro's physiotherapy practice, individuals with recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery are guided towards improved circulation and tissue healing. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.

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

Sandro's practice is located at the CISSS de l'Outaouais - Hôpital Papineau in Gatineau, QC, situated in the Buckingham Sector neighborhood. This public healthcare facility is conveniently positioned near Federal Government Buildings, including the Terrasses de la Chaudière, making it easily accessible for local residents and professionals alike. The clinic is well-connected by public transportation, with access via the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT system. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is CISSS de l'Outaouais - Hôpital Papineau's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost or a set amount like $50 may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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).

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

Patients in Quebec can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician’s referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment.

How can I book an appointment at CISSS de l'Outaouais - Hôpital Papineau?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (819) 986-4115 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiothérapeute has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

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 directly within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered if criteria are met. It is recommended to verify your individual coverage with RAMQ and consult your private insurance provider for possible reimbursement options.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to hands-on techniques used by a Physiothérapeute to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This includes joint mobilization, joint manipulation (where appropriate), soft tissue mobilization techniques like massage and myofascial release, and neural mobilization. The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve joint and tissue mobility, and promote healing.

CISSS de l'Outaouais - Hôpital Papineau
155, Rue Maclaren E
Gatineau, QC J8L 2M4

Phone: (819) 986-4115

Sandro Biscaro 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.