Francis Rolko – Physiotherapist | Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC

Francis Rolko is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Ekinox in Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC. With a strong commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care, Francis aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). His approach is grounded in compassion and professionalism, ensuring that each individual receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs and goals. Whether addressing acute injuries or managing chronic conditions, Francis strives to support his patients through every step of their recovery journey, fostering a sense of trust and confidence in their healing process.

Francis's role as a Physiothérapeute encompasses a wide range of musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions. He specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament issues. This includes everything from managing sprains, strains, and post-operative recoveries to providing care for arthritis and chronic pain. Additionally, Francis has a particular interest in sports physiotherapy, helping athletes of all levels—from recreational enthusiasts to elite competitors—return to their sport safely, optimize their performance, and prevent future injuries. His care is comprehensive and tailored, ensuring that each patient achieves their functional and wellness goals effectively.

Educated with a solid foundation in physiotherapy, Francis completed his degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience. He is committed to ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices and emerging techniques. His areas of interest include Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Sports Physiotherapy, reflecting his dedication to providing the most effective and up-to-date care possible. Francis's practice philosophy emphasizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. He believes in continuous learning and applying the latest research to achieve the best outcomes for his patients. Fluent in both English and French, Francis is able to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population, ensuring comfort and clarity throughout the treatment process.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• 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.
• 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: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.

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): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.

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

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk and achieved getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations under the skilled care of Francis. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again with a new lease on life.
• Patients often come to Francis feeling defeated by difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving enhanced ability to participate in social and community events and resuming simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around your neighborhood for fresh air becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Don't let tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot dictate what you can and cannot do. Francis offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities, helping you reclaim working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Francis practices at Ekinox, situated in a modern clinic located in the central Vaudreuil-Dorion neighborhood of Vaudreuil-Dorion. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare in one accessible location. The facility is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring that patients can reach their appointments with minimal hassle. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiothérapeute will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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.

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

In Quebec, generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by RAMQ. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. However, care received directly within a public hospital or CLSC might be covered if meeting specific criteria. It is important to verify eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for coverage details.

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 and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, create treatment plans, and carry out therapeutic interventions independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie (Physiotherapy Technologist) holds a college-level diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying treatments and guiding exercises without independently diagnosing or creating treatment plans. Both professions are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

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

Patients in Quebec can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, which is 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 before your first appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy session involves a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiothérapeute will review your medical history, current symptoms, and functional goals. This is followed by a physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, and balance. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a diagnosis, discuss a tailored treatment plan, and often initiate some initial treatment or education to start your recovery process.

Is there parking available at or near Ekinox?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Additional metered street parking is generally available on nearby streets, and a paid public parkade is located within a short walk of our clinic. Please check local signage for parking restrictions.

Ekinox
11, Boulevard de la Cité-des-Jeunes, Suite 101
Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC J7V 0N3

Phone: (450) 455-0111 | Website: https://ekinox.ca/

Francis Rolko 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.