Sonia Gervais

Profession:
Physiotherapist
Main clinic:
Physioactif St-Eustache
Pronoun:
She

Sonia Gervais

In a few words

"I look forward to meeting you!"

Throughout my 28-year career, I have always been passionate about helping you regain control of your physical health so you can enjoy life's little and big pleasures!

I love it when you tell me you're doing well!

The experience I've gained in managing complex pain motivates me to help you, even when you've tried everything. I love complex cases!

If you are determined to take charge of your health, whether you are an everyday person, an amateur or elite athlete, we will do everything together to get there.

In addition to clients with musculoskeletal pain, I also treat the following conditions:

  • Jaw pain
  • Balance disorders and vertigo
  • Headaches and orofacial pain

Get to know Guillaume

What has been your professional background?

In my adolescence, I practiced sprint canoe-kayak and later became a coach for this sport. It was at this point that I understood that I liked helping people become better, to surpass their limits. I was also drawn to biology courses and understanding the human body...so physiotherapy met all my interests. I graduated from McGill University in physiotherapy in 1995 and since then I have worked most of the years in private practice with a varied population. I still have that same feeling as at the beginning, which is to help people become better.

Continuing education?
  • Advanced manual therapy training: intermediate exam (May, 2004)
  • Vertebral manipulation training level 4, AQPMA (2006)
  • Advanced clinical reasoning for the neuromeningeal system, Sylvain St-Amour and Ariel Desjardins-Charbonneau (May, 2021)
What are you passionate about in your profession?

I love being a part of their recovery and helping them regain their physical abilities. More importantly, I love witnessing the positive impact it has on their daily lives.

I also love my job because every day is different. No two cases are exactly alike. Even with the same diagnosis, the underlying cause can be different. I enjoy analyzing and finding the best solution for each client I see that day.

What sports activities do you practice?

I enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Have you ever been injured?

I had a major injury: a torn anterior cruciate ligament in my knee, from which I have fully recovered. The lesson I learned is to always prepare properly before any physical activity. Otherwise, I've had minor injuries here and there, which my colleagues have always taken good care of...

Three fun facts about you
  • I am married and a mother of two daughters, so I'm very familiar with balancing work, family, and being a 'taxi mom'...
  • I enjoy planning various decorating, home improvement, renovation, and event projects.
  • I have two cats.
  • I love to cook.

Services offered by Guillaume

We offer a comprehensive range of health services to meet your individual needs. Whether for a specific treatment or to maintain your general well-being, we are here to help you.

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Blockage, stiffness, or loss of mobility

In most cases, a blockage or stiffness doesn't originate solely from the area where you feel the limitation. It could be due to joint irritation, a protective muscle spasm, or a mechanical restriction that prevents normal movement.

Simply treating the pain or 'forcing' movement doesn't solve the problem. At Physioactif, our approach is to precisely identify the underlying structure and restore effective movement starting from the very first sessions.

Common reasons for consultation
Nerve pain and numbness

Numbness or nerve pain doesn't always originate solely from the area where symptoms appear. The problem might be related to nerve irritation or compression in the spine, or elsewhere along its peripheral path.

The assessment helps precisely identify the symptom's origin and use tailored techniques, such as neurodynamic mobilization, to improve the nerve's tolerance to movement and reduce radiating pain.

Common reasons for consultation
In-depth evaluation and second opinion

It is common to have received several different explanations or not to have found a satisfactory answer to a persistent problem. A thorough evaluation allows for a structured review of the case and an analysis of elements often overlooked during initial consultations.

At Physioactif, the evaluation aims to establish precise clinical reasoning, validate or invalidate certain hypotheses, and propose a clear direction based on your actual situation.

Common reasons for consultation
Persistent pain (chronic)

Chronic pain is rarely linked to a single factor. It can involve mechanical and nervous components, and even an increased sensitivity of the system to pain. This is often why passive or overly general treatments yield few lasting results.

At Physioactif, the approach involves analyzing all the factors that maintain pain and gradually reintroducing adapted movements and loads to desensitize the system and improve function.

Common reasons for consultation
Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation

Rehabilitation doesn't start after surgery, but well before. Good preparation helps improve mobility, strength, and understanding of exercises, which greatly facilitates post-operative recovery.

After the procedure, the goal is to gradually restore movement, protect healing structures, and regain the abilities needed for your activities without compromising the surgical results.

Common reasons for consultation
Balance disorders and dizziness (vestibular)

Vestibular disorders occur when the system responsible for balance no longer correctly transmits information to the brain. This can cause dizziness, instability, or a sensation of movement.

The evaluation helps determine the origin of the problem and allows for the use of specific exercises to re-educate the vestibular system, improve stability, and gradually reduce symptoms.

Areas of physiotherapy expertise
Sports Injuries

Sports-related pain doesn't just come from a single injury; it often results from repeated stress that the body struggles to tolerate. Continuing to train without addressing the cause increases the risk of recurrence.

The assessment helps identify the underlying issues, whether related to mobility, strength, or control. Treatment then focuses on reducing pain, correcting deficiencies, and preparing for a gradual return to sports.

Areas of physiotherapy expertise
Running analysis and biomechanics

An inefficient running technique can overload certain structures and lead to pain. These issues are not always noticeable without analysis.

Biomechanical assessment allows us to observe your running pattern, identify limitations, and make precise adjustments. The goal is to optimize movement while reducing stress on the body.

Areas of physiotherapy expertise
SAAQ Program (road accidents)

Accident-related injuries can affect the neck, back, or nervous system, even if symptoms initially seem mild.

An assessment helps identify the affected structures and establish a tailored treatment plan recognized by the SAAQ to promote full recovery.

Access to care and reimbursements
CNESST Program (work accidents)

Work-related injuries can be mechanical, muscular, or caused by repetitive movements.

The assessment helps us understand the specific demands of your job and tailor treatment to ensure a safe and lasting return to work under the CNESST program.

Access to care and reimbursements
IVAC Program (criminal acts)

The physical consequences of a criminal act can include muscle pain, stiffness, or more complex injuries.

The goal is to precisely assess your condition and implement a progressive treatment that respects your recovery pace and the requirements of the IVAC program.

Access to care and reimbursements
Veterans program

Injuries in veterans are often complex and can affect multiple systems, such as joints, muscles, or the nervous system.

Our approach aims to precisely understand your condition and provide structured treatment that meets program requirements while supporting a gradual return to your activities.

Access to care and reimbursements

Approaches mastered by Guillaume

McKenzie Approach

The McKenzie Approach is a globally recognized assessment and treatment method, particularly effective for back problems. This approach equips you with the tools to independently manage and prevent your pain.

Mulligan Approach

The Mulligan approach, recognized worldwide, combines active movement and mobilization for immediate results. This unique technique restores joint function without pain, even in cases where other approaches have failed.

Education on the condition

Knowledge is key to a successful recovery. Our educational approach allows you to better understand your pain problem and gives you the necessary tools to actively participate in your recovery and prevent recurrences.

Workstation assessment

A poorly set up workstation can cause tension and pain that affects your productivity. Our professional ergonomic assessment identifies the necessary adjustments to create a comfortable and efficient workspace.

Muscle strengthening and endurance exercises

A personalized exercise program is key to achieving your strength and endurance goals. Our expertise in designing customized programs allows you to progress safely while respecting your abilities and lifestyle.

Stabilizing muscle exercises

Weak stabilizing muscles can lead to pain during prolonged postures or everyday movements. Core exercises are often taught incorrectly, hindering your progress. Our specialized approach activates these essential deep muscles, creating a solid foundation for all your movements and daily activities.

Joint mobilizations and manipulations

Joint pain and stiffness can significantly limit your daily life. Our physiotherapists use specialized joint mobilization and manipulation techniques to restore the natural movement of your joints and reduce your pain.

Posture

Poor posture can be the source of many daily aches and discomforts. Our approach combines precise postural analysis and practical solutions to improve your natural alignment and prevent chronic muscle tension.

Movement re-education

Always moving in the same way can create injuries because repetitive movements end up overloading the same structures in your body. Our approach precisely analyzes and corrects your movement patterns to restore biomechanics that will not create microtrauma.

Taping

Therapeutic taping is a versatile technique that uses different types of adhesive tapes to relieve pain and improve joint stability. Among our approaches, we notably use the McConnell method, recognized for its effectiveness in biomechanical correction and the treatment of joint pain.

Telerehabilitation

Tele-physio offers the flexibility of professional care from your home. No matter where you are in the world, you can benefit from our unique expertise. This modern solution allows for effective and personalized follow-up, adapted to your schedule, while maintaining the quality of care.

Neurodevelopmental Therapy and Primitive Reflexes

Primitive reflexes that persist into adulthood can disrupt your balance, coordination, and posture, leading to tension and chronic pain. Our specialized approach targets these primitive motor patterns to restore more mature and efficient movements. These treatments are recommended for persistent pain.

Nerve treatment

We are the pioneers in Quebec in nerve treatment. We know that symptoms of nerve compression, such as tingling, numbness, or burning pain, can disrupt your sleep and quality of life. Our specialized nerve treatment techniques precisely target these sensitive structures to reduce irritation and restore their proper function.

Contact Guillaume Lamothe

If you have any questions or require more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Book an appointment now

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