Raphaële Lemire – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Raphaële Lemire is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Foundation Physiotherapy-King Street in Toronto, ON, Raphaele is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Raphaele's focus is addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Raphaele specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Care is tailored to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Raphaele serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Raphaële Lemire completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2020). With clinical experience, Raphaële Lemire is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Raphaële Lemire has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy.

Raphaele employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Raphaële Lemire offers consultations in English, French.

Raphaële Lemire provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): An overuse injury resulting from repetitive friction of the IT band over the lateral femoral epicondyle (at the knee) or greater trochanter (at the hip).

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, cognitive difficulties (e.g., 'brain fog', memory issues), fatigue, and emotional changes. Post-Concussion Syndrome refers to symptoms persisting beyond the typical recovery window.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Raphaele 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Raphaele, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At Foundation Physiotherapy-King Street, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Raphaele frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• When that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours, physiotherapy with Raphaele can help you work towards a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• With Raphaele's help, managing that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit to achieve greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends.
• Patients often come to Raphaele feeling defeated by an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms and resuming participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Raphaele believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot is hindering your ability to participating in community events and social gatherings more actively, a personalized plan focusing on decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues can make all the difference.

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

Raphaele's practice is located at Foundation Physiotherapy-King Street, situated in the Regent Park, Harbourfront East neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Alexandra Theatre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

What are Foundation Physiotherapy-King Street's operating hours?

Foundation Physiotherapy-King Street is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at or check our website/online booking portal at for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Does Foundation Physiotherapy-King Street offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most of the population. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

Foundation Physiotherapy-King Street
514 King Street East, C
Toronto, ON, M5A 1M1

Phone: (416) 703-5885

Raphaële Lemire is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX23

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=48fdd8a3-b91e-eb11-a813-000d3af427b4

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.