Sarah-Maude Carbonneau – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Sarah-Maude Carbonneau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at PCN L'Hêtrière in Québec, QC, Sarah-Maude is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her approach emphasizes performance optimization and athletic rehabilitation, ensuring each patient receives tailored, evidence-based treatment to enhance movement, strength, and resilience.

Sarah-Maude's expertise spans a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including sports injuries, joint pain, tendinopathies, and post-operative recovery. She specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, with a focus on helping athletes of all levels — from recreational to elite — return to their sport safely, improve their performance, and prevent future setbacks. Her care philosophy integrates functional movement analysis and manual therapy techniques designed to optimize athletic function and overall mobility.

With a comprehensive educational background and clinical experience, Sarah-Maude has developed a particular interest in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy as well as sports physiotherapy. She is committed to continuous professional development, staying current with innovative treatment modalities and research to provide the most effective care. Fluent in both English and French, Sarah-Maude ensures clear communication and personalized support for her diverse patient community.

Sarah-Maude Carbonneau provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

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.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.

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

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiothérapeute to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• 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.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Comprehensive rehabilitation programs designed by a sports physiotherapist to address the specific demands of your sport, facilitate a full recovery from athletic injuries, and prevent recurrence.
• 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.
• Gait Analysis & Running/Walking Re-training: Evaluation of how you walk or run, with tailored advice from your Physiothérapeute on footwear, technique modifications, and exercises to improve your form and prevent injury.

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

• When one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort, physiotherapy with Sarah-Maude can help you work towards better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Patients often come to Sarah-Maude feeling defeated by feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness and resuming attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Sarah-Maude's clinic, common concerns like trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.

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

Sarah-Maude practices at PCN L'Hêtrière, situated in a modern clinic located in the central Québec neighborhood of Québec. The facility is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access a comprehensive range of healthcare supports. The clinic is well-connected by local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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. However, care received within a public hospital or CLSC may be covered under specific circumstances. It’s important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer substantial physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist (Physiothérapeute) and a Physiotherapy Technologist (Technologue en physiothérapie) in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed a 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.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access a Physiothérapeute directly through a process known as 'direct access,' without needing a physician’s referral. Nonetheless, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

What are PCN L'Hêtrière's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with some practitioners offering Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary depending on the practitioner and day. Please contact the clinic at (418) 123-4567 or visit our website for the most current schedule and practitioner availability.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on individual needs, the nature of your condition, and your recovery goals. Some issues resolve within a few visits, while others may require ongoing care. Your Physiothérapeute will provide an estimate after your initial assessment, and the plan will be adjusted as you progress through treatment.

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

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for movement and easy access to the treatment area is recommended. For lower-body issues, shorts are helpful, while for upper-body concerns, a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable to facilitate proper examination and treatment.

PCN L'Hêtrière
790, Route Jean-Gauvin, Suite 210
Québec, QC G1X 0B6

Phone: (418) 871-0909

Sarah-Maude Carbonneau 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.