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

Alain Rufiange is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Clinique de physio & d'ostéo St-Jean-sur-Richelieu in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC. He is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that adheres to the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Alain takes a warm and community-focused approach, ensuring every patient feels supported and understood throughout their rehabilitation journey.

With a focus on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, Alain offers comprehensive assessments and tailored treatment plans. His expertise includes managing acute injuries such as sprains and strains, chronic pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation. Alain also specializes in vestibular and balance disorders, providing relief from dizziness and vertigo caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. His goal is to help patients of all ages, from infants and young children to adults and seniors, regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve overall well-being.

Alain completed his degree in Physiotherapy and has gained valuable clinical experience through ongoing professional development. He is particularly interested in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation. Alain’s practice philosophy emphasizes promoting preventative care and long-term wellness, empowering patients with education and practical strategies for maintaining their health. Fluent in both English and French, Alain is dedicated to serving his community with compassion and evidence-based practices.

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

Post Surgical

• 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).
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Guidance on hip precautions (if applicable for your surgical approach), a progressive exercise program, and functional retraining after hip surgery to help you achieve your goals.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Restoring spinal function, core stability, and body mechanics post-operatively, ensuring a safe progression back to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.

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): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

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

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Targeted physiotherapy programs to help seniors regain strength, endurance, balance, and functional abilities after an illness, surgery, hospitalization, or a period of inactivity or decline.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Helping older adults stay active, mobile, independent, and confident in their physical abilities through compassionate and evidence-based physiotherapy.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Targeted exercises and strategies designed by your Physiotherapist to improve your stability, coordination, lower limb strength, and body awareness (proprioception), thereby reducing your risk of falls, particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with balance impairments.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.

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 Clinique de physio & d'ostéo St-Jean-sur-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:

• With Alain's help, managing sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica to achieve experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like competing effectively in your curling league games.
• Many find that feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older significantly impacts their ability to safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace. Alain helps patients target a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Alain believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury is hindering your ability to being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children, a personalized plan focusing on building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury can make all the difference.

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

Alain's practice at Clinique de physio & d'ostéo St-Jean-sur-Richelieu is situated within a reputable physiotherapy clinic located in the vibrant Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near the historic Cathédrale Saint-Jean-l'Évangéliste, making it easy for patients to find and access. Transportation options are plentiful, with services like Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu providing flexible transit solutions. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiothérapeute will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

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).

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, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to initiate physiotherapy care, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy beforehand to confirm coverage details.

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.

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

Coverage varies depending on your situation. Generally, AHCIP provides limited coverage for some physiotherapy services, typically after hospital discharge or for specific low-income individuals and seniors. Most outpatient private clinic physiotherapy services are not covered by RAMQ for the general population. It's recommended to verify your specific eligibility with RAMQ and consult your private insurance plan for potential reimbursement.

Does Clinique de physio & d'ostéo St-Jean-sur-Richelieu offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, our clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate the process. If direct billing isn't available for your insurer, we provide official receipts that you can submit for reimbursement. We recommend confirming your coverage and any limits directly with your insurance provider before your appointment.

Clinique de physio & d'ostéo St-Jean-sur-Richelieu
1045, Rue Bernier
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J2W 1X4

Phone: (450) 359-9145

Alain Rufiange 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.