Florence Laforce-Lafontaine – Physiotherapist | Québec, QC

Florence Laforce-Lafontaine is a dedicated Physiothérapeute. Practicing at Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ in Québec, QC, Florence is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) standards. Florence’s approach emphasizes thorough assessments, tailored treatment plans, and evidence-based interventions to optimize recovery and improve functional outcomes for her patients.

Florence's physiotherapy focus encompasses addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. She also specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, with a goal to help athletes of all levels — from recreational to elite — return to their sport safely, enhance performance, and prevent future injuries.

With a solid educational background and ongoing professional development, Florence has developed expertise particularly in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy. She serves adult patients with a compassionate, collaborative, and empowering philosophy, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Florence is fluent in English and French, facilitating effective communication and personalized care for her diverse patient population.

Florence Laforce-Lafontaine provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy management of acute and persistent symptoms of a concussion, including addressing associated neck pain/dysfunction (cervicogenic component), vestibular (balance/dizziness) issues, oculomotor (eye movement) problems, and exertional intolerance.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• 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.

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

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Florence. 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 Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Florence frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease when faced with persistent soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise is made smoother and more effective with Florence's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like running your usual 5k route without knee pain.
• Struggling with the frustration of recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches? Florence develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls. This is key to helping you get back to doing getting back to your regular, consistent gym workouts with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• With Florence's help, managing breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity to achieve enhanced ability to participate in social and community events becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.

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

Florence practices at the Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ, situated in a central Québec neighborhood of Québec. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive rehabilitation care. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring accessible transportation options. 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?

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 the 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 a 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?

Currently, physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by RAMQ. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance plans. Some exceptions may apply for care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC if meeting specific criteria. It is recommended to verify your coverage directly with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plans for reimbursement options.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiothérapeute can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiothérapeute, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

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, which is known as 'direct access.' However, while a referral is not legally required to see a physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm coverage requirements.

Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec - IRDPQ
525, Boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel
Québec, QC G1M 2S8

Phone: (418) 529-9141

Florence Laforce-Lafontaine 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.