Sébastien Gravel – Physiotherapist | Chicoutimi, QC

Sébastien Gravel is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CEME Saguenay in Chicoutimi, QC, Sébastien is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. He specializes in 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. Sébastien’s approach emphasizes individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, promoting healing, restoring function, and preventing future issues.

With a focus on sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, Sébastien is skilled in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. He works with patients of all ages, including older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, ensuring that each individual receives optimal care suited to their activity level and health goals. His goal is to facilitate safe return to activities, enhance performance, and improve overall quality of life through evidence-based practices and a compassionate approach.

Sébastien completed his degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that fuels his ongoing commitment to professional development. He maintains a strong interest in evidence-based physiotherapy practices and continually updates his skills in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy. Sébastien’s practice philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. He is fluent in French, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for his diverse patient population.

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

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

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.

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue (periosteum) around the tibia, which requires rest, activity modification, and specific physiotherapy interventions for recovery.

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

• Therapeutic & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid): Taping strategies implemented by your Physiotherapist to aid in injury management, provide stability during activity, offload sensitive tissues, and promote optimal biomechanics.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.

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

• Sébastien frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Sébastien's clinic, common concerns like dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating your back.
• Sébastien believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist is hindering your ability to participate in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf, a personalized plan focusing on getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity can make all the difference.

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

Sébastien practices at CEME Saguenay, situated in a modern clinic located in the central neighborhood of Chicoutimi. The clinic's strategic position allows easy access to various community services and pharmacies nearby, making it convenient for patients to combine their physiotherapy sessions with other appointments. The facility is accessible via multiple local public transit routes, ensuring that patients from different parts of Chicoutimi can reach the clinic with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CEME Saguenay treat?

Physiothérapeutes at CEME Saguenay treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (including Vestibular Hypofunction such as unilateral or bilateral vertigo), joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries like pregnancy-related pelvic girdle or back pain and sciatica, as well as nerve pain. They employ services like Therapeutic & Athletic Taping (e.g., Kinesio, McConnell, Rigid) and Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques to support recovery and functional improvement.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically see 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 your insurance policy before your first visit to confirm any specific requirements.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is ideal—think of what you might wear for light exercise or a gym session. For lower-body treatments, shorts are helpful, while for upper-body issues, a loose t-shirt or tank top allows your Physiothérapeute to properly examine and treat the area.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some techniques may cause mild discomfort or temporary soreness, physiotherapy should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiothérapeute will tailor treatments to your comfort level and will communicate throughout to ensure a positive experience while achieving therapeutic benefits.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The initial session focuses on a comprehensive assessment, including discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and physical tests to evaluate movement and strength. The goal is to develop a personalized treatment plan. You may also receive initial hands-on care or exercises to start your recovery.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care in public hospitals or CLSCs may be covered under specific circumstances. It is important to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Technologue en physiothérapie in Quebec?

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, and create treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under supervision, applying prescribed treatments and assisting with exercises but does not diagnose or independently plan treatments. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

CEME Saguenay
901, Boulevard Talbot, # 104
Chicoutimi, QC G7H 6N7

Phone: (418) 698-0543

Sébastien Gravel 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.