Stéphanie Gaudreault – Physiotherapist | Sherbrooke, QC

Stéphanie Gaudreault is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont) in Sherbrooke, QC, Stéphanie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Her role involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide array of musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional conditions. Stéphanie's approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs, aiming to restore mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life. She is particularly attentive to the needs of adults and seniors, guiding them through recovery and wellness strategies with compassion and expertise.

With a solid educational foundation and extensive clinical experience, Stéphanie completed her degree in Physiotherapy and continuously updates her skills through ongoing professional development. Her practice is rooted in evidence-based techniques, with particular interests in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Neurological Physiotherapy. Stéphanie is skilled in manual therapy, neural mobilization, and functional rehabilitation, ensuring comprehensive care for her patients. Her commitment to excellence and a collaborative approach make her a trusted provider in the Sherbrooke community.

Stéphanie believes in empowering her patients through education and active participation in their recovery process. She promotes preventative care and long-term wellness, working closely with individuals to set realistic goals and develop effective strategies for maintaining health. Stéphanie is fluent in both French and English, allowing her to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse patients, fostering a supportive and understanding environment for optimal healing and health management.

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

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Specialized therapeutic interventions provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to assist individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, balance, coordination, strength, and independence following a neurological event or diagnosis.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Targeted exercises and strategies designed by your Physiotherapist to improve your stability, coordination, lower limb strength, and body awareness (proprioception), thereby reducing your risk of falls, particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with balance impairments.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Stéphanie. 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. Stéphanie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Stéphanie's clinic, common concerns like tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands.
• For those whose pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) has made playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids seem like a distant memory, Stéphanie's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to playing actively and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Stéphanie frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again.

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

Stéphanie practices at the CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont), located in the Fleurimont West (Hospital Area) neighborhood of Sherbrooke. This public healthcare facility is conveniently situated near the Commercial Corridor North and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). The clinic is wheelchair accessible, with ample parking generally available close to the entrance, ensuring easy access for all patients.

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, which is known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to receive physiotherapy services, many private and extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS (Hôpital Fleurimont) treat?

Physiotherapists at this facility treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues such as back and neck pain, joint problems like arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries such as nerve entrapments (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica), and neurological conditions like stroke or Parkinson's disease. Treatments often involve manual therapy, neural mobilization, patient education, and tailored exercise programs to help patients recover function, reduce pain, and improve overall well-being.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is an essential part of most physiotherapy treatments. Stéphanie will prescribe specific exercises suited to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises complement in-clinic treatments, help manage symptoms between sessions, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Active participation in your home program is vital for achieving optimal results.

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

A Physiothérapeute holds a university master’s degree and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie has a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises without diagnosing or independently planning care. Both 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?

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Coverage may be available for specific cases like post-hospitalization or through certain programs for low-income individuals or seniors. Most outpatient private physiotherapy is paid out-of-pocket or covered by private insurance. Patients should verify their eligibility directly with RAMQ and consult their private insurance plans for coverage details.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful in a harmful way. Some discomfort or stretching sensations may occur during treatment, especially in the early stages of recovery, but it should not cause significant pain or distress. Stéphanie will adjust treatments to ensure your comfort and safety, aiming to make you feel better, not worse.

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

Phone: (819) 346-1110

Stéphanie Gaudreault 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.