Alain Lessard – Physiotherapist | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Alain Lessard is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at the CISSS Montérégie-Centre (Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu) in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC. He is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Alain specializes in addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, providing comprehensive assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation services. His approach encompasses everything from acute injuries such as sprains and strains to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and post-operative recovery, ensuring each patient receives tailored interventions aimed at restoring optimal function and reducing pain.

Alain’s expertise extends to the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. He serves a diverse patient demographic, including older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors. His focus is on helping individuals regain mobility, improve strength, and achieve their personal health goals. With a deep understanding of sports physiotherapy, Alain also works with athletes of all levels—from recreational participants to elite competitors—aiming to facilitate safe return to sport, enhance performance, and prevent future injuries.

Educationally, Alain Lessard completed his degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated extensive clinical experience. He is committed to ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices. Alain has developed particular skills and interests in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy. His practice philosophy emphasizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Alain believes in empowering his patients through clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies for sustained health benefits. He is fluent in both English and French, ensuring effective communication with a diverse patient population.

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

Hand Wrist

• 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.
• 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.

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Localized bone pain that typically worsens with activity and is relieved by rest, often accompanied by tenderness to touch over the affected bone.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Dull or aching pain in the front or inner part of the shin that can become sharp with activity, often felt during or after exercise.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee that often starts gradually and worsens with continued activity, sometimes radiating up the thigh or down the leg.

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

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Alain. 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 CISSS Montérégie-Centre (Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Alain frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from Alain, their physiotherapist, when pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be? Alain works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain.
• With Alain's help, managing feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort to achieve feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like using garden tools effectively and without pain.

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

Alain practices at the CISSS Montérégie-Centre (Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu), situated in the Saint-Jean Sector North neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. This public healthcare facility is conveniently located near Carrefour Richelieu (Mall) and is easily accessible via Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiothérapeute can properly examine and treat the area.

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

In Quebec, patients can typically access physiotherapy directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, it is important to check with your private insurance provider, as some plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. While a referral isn't legally necessary to see a physiothérapeute, verifying your insurance requirements beforehand is advised.

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

Generally, RAMQ does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Care received directly in hospitals or CLSCs may be covered depending on specific eligibility criteria. It is recommended to consult RAMQ and your private insurer for detailed coverage information.

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

A Physiothérapeute in Quebec holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans independently. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments, guiding exercises, and monitoring progress without diagnosing or establishing independent treatment plans. Both are regulated by the OPPQ.

What types of conditions do Physiothérapeutes at CISSS Montérégie-Centre (Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu) treat?

They treat a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. Common issues include back and neck pain, joint problems from arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries like ligament sprains or stress fractures, nerve pain, and more. Their treatments often include manual therapy, exercise prescription, functional movement screening, and patient education to help patients achieve their functional goals.

CISSS Montérégie-Centre (Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu)
920, Boulevard du Séminaire N
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3A 1B7

Phone: (450) 359-5000

Alain Lessard 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.