Sonia Bédard – Physiotherapy Technologist | Sherbrooke, QC

Sonia Bédard is a dedicated Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.). Practicing at CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont) in Sherbrooke, QC, Sonia is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her role involves assisting in the implementation of treatment plans prescribed by physiotherapists or physicians, guiding patients through therapeutic exercises, and applying various treatment modalities to support recovery and functional improvement. Sonia primarily serves adult patients, providing tailored interventions aimed at restoring mobility, reducing pain, and promoting overall wellness.

With a strong foundation in physiotherapy technology, Sonia has developed her skills through extensive clinical experience and continuous professional development. Her expertise includes therapeutic exercise instruction, modality application, and patient monitoring, which she combines with a compassionate approach to ensure effective and safe care. Sonia is known for her ability to adapt treatment strategies to individual needs, fostering a supportive environment that encourages active patient participation in their recovery process.

Sonia’s practice philosophy emphasizes promoting preventative care and long-term wellness within the Sherbrooke community through proactive physiotherapy. She believes in empowering patients with clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies to achieve lasting results. Committed to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning, Sonia strives to provide the highest standard of physiotherapy care. She is fluent in English and French, facilitating effective communication with diverse patient populations.

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

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.

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

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• 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.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Sonia's clinic, common concerns like sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like maintaining an upright posture while working on your computer for hours.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis)? Sonia works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands.
• The path to recovery from needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity and achieving feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities for enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again often starts with expert guidance. Sonia, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Sonia practices at the CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont), situated in the Fleurimont West (Hospital Area) neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This Centre de recherche (milieu public) facility is conveniently located near the Musée de la nature et des sciences de Sherbrooke and is accessible via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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 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 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).

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

In Quebec, RAMQ generally does not cover physiotherapy services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy is usually not. It is advisable to verify your eligibility directly with RAMQ and check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer coverage for physiotherapy services.

How can I book an appointment at CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont)?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (819) 346-1110 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.

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiotherapy Technologist (Phys. T.) directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, while a doctor's referral is not legally required to *see* a Physiotherapy Technologist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check the specific requirements of your insurance plan before your appointment.

CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont)
3001, 12e Avenue N
Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4

Phone: (819) 346-1110

Sonia Bédard 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.