Sophie Bureau – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Sophie Bureau is a dedicated Physiothérapeute (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at CIUSSSCN-IRDPQ site St-Louis in Québec, QC, Sophie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). She specializes in assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Sophie offers tailored assessments and treatment plans to support her patients through their recovery journey, fostering confidence and independence in their daily lives.

In addition to her focus on neurological rehabilitation, Sophie has developed expertise in evaluating and treating dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. Her goal is to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and minimize fall risk, helping her patients regain confidence in their movements. Sophie is also experienced in working with children of all ages, from infants to 17-year-olds, providing compassionate and effective care that supports their growth and development.

Sophie Bureau completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience that fuels her ongoing commitment to professional development. She emphasizes evidence-based practices and continuously updates her skills in Neurological Physiotherapy and Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation. Sophie believes in empowering her patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies, working collaboratively to help them achieve their movement and functional goals. She is fluent in both English and French, ensuring effective communication and personalized care for her diverse patient community.

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

Vestibular Balance

• 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.
• 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.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo that is highly treatable with specific physiotherapy maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver, designed to reposition the displaced inner ear crystals.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Management of symptoms such as pain (neuropathic pain), numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness, typically in the hands or feet, resulting from damage to peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Alleviating symptoms and improving function for individuals with entrapped nerves through conservative physiotherapy management, helping to avoid more invasive interventions.

Common Msk

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.

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

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• 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.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.

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 CIUSSSCN-IRDPQ site St-Louis, 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:

• Patients often come to Sophie feeling defeated by tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks and resuming actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• With Sophie's help, managing persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady to achieve the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like walking your children to school or the park.
• Tired of that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder interfering with attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation? Sophie uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Sophie practices at the CIUSSSCN-IRDPQ site St-Louis, situated in the heart of a vibrant, central Québec neighborhood. This reputable public healthcare facility is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care. The clinic is well-connected by local public transit routes, ensuring a straightforward journey for those using buses or other transit options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

Does CIUSSSCN-IRDPQ site St-Louis offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, our clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate this process. If direct billing is not available for your plan, we provide detailed official receipts that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. Patients are advised to verify their specific coverage, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductibles, directly with their insurance provider, as plans vary. The patient remains responsible for any portion not covered by insurance.

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 perform advanced procedures if qualified. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma (DEC) and focuses on the technical application of physiotherapy treatments, assisting physiotherapists or physicians by implementing treatment plans, helping patients with exercises, applying modalities, and reporting progress.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician's referral, 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 beforehand to confirm any specific requirements.

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

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria, but private clinic physiotherapy typically isn't. It's recommended to verify your eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage details.

CIUSSSCN-IRDPQ site St-Louis
2975, Chemin Saint-Louis
Québec, QC G1W 1P9

Phone: (418) 529-9141

Sophie Bureau 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.