Sophie Bertrand – Physiotherapist | Gatineau, QC

Sophie Bertrand is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CISSS de L'Outaouais - Hôpital de Hull in Gatineau, QC, Sophie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. She specializes in providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life.

Sophie Bertrand completed her degree in Physiotherapy. With extensive clinical experience, Sophie is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. She continually updates her skills to provide the most effective interventions tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring a thorough and compassionate approach to care.

Her practice philosophy revolves around a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Sophie promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Gatineau community through proactive physiotherapy strategies. She is fluent in English and French, enabling her to communicate effectively with diverse patients and support their journey toward better health.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): A bone injury resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation due to repetitive mechanical loading, often seen in runners or athletes who rapidly increase their training.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.
• 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. Sophie can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Sophie, their physiotherapist, when needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids.
• When feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence, physiotherapy with Sophie can help you work towards moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• It's truly rewarding for Sophie to witness patients conquer difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain and experience running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in community events and social gatherings more actively again.

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

Sophie practices at the CISSS de L'Outaouais - Hôpital de Hull, situated in the Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighborhood of Gatineau. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) Campus Alexandre-Taché and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec has completed 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 physiotherapy services directly without a doctor'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 appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance for these services. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private outpatient physiotherapy in clinics is typically not included. Patients should verify their coverage with RAMQ and their insurance plans.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The initial appointment mainly involves a thorough assessment. Sophie will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and overall health, followed by physical tests to evaluate your movement, strength, and areas of concern. The goal is to understand your condition comprehensively to develop a personalized treatment plan. You may also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on therapies to begin your recovery.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a tailored home exercise program is a vital component of physiotherapy. Sophie will prescribe specific exercises suited to your condition and goals, designed to supplement in-clinic treatments, manage symptoms, and promote long-term recovery and self-management. Your active participation in this program significantly influences your success.

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

Many private insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for physiotherapy services. It is recommended to contact your insurer directly before your first session to understand your coverage details, such as your annual maximum, co-payments, referral requirements, and whether the clinic can bill your insurer directly. We can often assist with direct billing if your plan allows, and you should bring your insurance information to your appointment.

How can I book an appointment at CISSS de L'Outaouais - Hôpital de Hull?

You can schedule an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (819) 966-6200 during business hours. Many practitioners also offer online booking through our website. Our friendly staff will assist you in finding a suitable time with Sophie or the appropriate physiotherapist to meet your needs.

CISSS de L'Outaouais - Hôpital de Hull
116, Boulevard Lionel-Émond
Gatineau, QC J8Y 1W7

Phone: (819) 966-6200

Sophie Bertrand 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.